Can caffeine cause heart palpitations?

Question

Hello doctor,

Is it possible that I experienced heart palpitations from caffeine use (5.8 mg/kg per day)? Could it be related to my use of Bupropion as well?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, both caffeine and Bupropion commonly cause palpitations. Even a low dose of caffeine can trigger palpitations, and there is not a specific dose-related relationship for this effect. These factors may contribute to all of your symptoms. Additionally, anxiety or stress can often be a contributing factor that may cause or worsen palpitations. Palpitations like these are typically benign and non-life-threatening, although they can be bothersome.

Given your medical history, it would be advisable to evaluate this further—not only to address the palpitations but also as part of a cardiac screening to rule out any potential arrhythmias. You should consider getting a baseline ECG (electrocardiography), especially if it can be done during an episode of palpitations. If it is difficult to obtain an ECG during palpitations, a 24-hour Holter monitor may be needed. Alternatively, mobile-based rhythm monitors can be used to track your heart rhythm.

Additionally, an echocardiogram (echo) would be helpful to assess the overall condition of your heart and its valves. In the meantime, try to reduce your caffeine intake as much as possible and monitor how this affects your symptoms.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do you still have palpitations, and was the ECG taken during a palpitation episode? If yes, then it fairly rules out significant arrhythmia. Also, it is not absolutely necessary to have Holter monitoring, as the likely cause in your case is the medications, which can very well cause palpitations. Having Holter monitoring during palpitations will certainly help rule out arrhythmia. If the dose of the medications cannot be reduced or stopped, you may discuss with your local doctor the possibility of starting beta-blockers like Propranolol or Metoprolol to control the palpitations. In this case, having a Holter, ECHO, etc., will help assure us of the benign nature of these symptoms.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.