NEWS
American Heart Association
Coffee may help heart health — up to 5 cups a day, experts say
Gabby SartoriUSA TODAY
July 29, 2026, 8:41 a.m. ET
Most coffee drinkers can relax about their daily brew, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association on caffeine and heart health. The statement finds that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day — roughly three to five 8‑ounce cups of regular black coffee — is generally safe for most adults and may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke and type 2 diabetes
The type of caffeine, and what you add to it, matters. The AHA notes that these benefits show up mainly with plain, filtered black coffee. Once you load up on flavored syrups, sugar and heavy creamers, you’re adding calories and ingredients that can work against heart health. Energy drinks and concentrated “energy shots” are a different story, with some studies tying them to spikes in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms, especially in people who already have heart conditions
Dr. Amish Mehta, a cardiologist with Allegheny Health Network, said the new guidance should reassure most coffee lovers while still encouraging moderation
“Really, you want to drink up to five cups of coffee a day at most, and keep an eye on what you’re putting in it,” Mehta said. “Try to minimize cream, sugar and flavor additives that add extra calories and sweeteners, and be careful with energy drinks.”
He noted that a 16‑ounce energy drink can have roughly twice the caffeine of a cup of coffee and has been shown to cause sudden spikes in blood pressure when consumed in higher volumes, especially among younger people who may mix them with other drinks
“That’s where I worry more — not about a few plain coffees, but about large, concentrated energy drinks and how people are using them,” Mehta said
For now, experts say the new guidance should be seen as reassurance, not a free pass to chug caffeine all day. The AHA statement stresses that people with certain conditions including uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems or pregnancy, may need stricter limits and should talk with their health care team about what’s safe. It also underscores that coffee isn’t a magic shield: the best heart protection still comes from basics like not smoking, staying active, eating a balanced diet and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control.
For most otherwise healthy adults, though, a few cups of mostly plain coffee can fit comfortably into a heart‑healthy routine, as long as they’re mindful of the total caffeine they’re getting from energy drinks, sodas and other
This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more
