This type of coffee is the worst for heart health, according to cardiologists

If you’re one of the 66% of Americans who drink coffee, you probably can’t imagine starting your day without it. For many, having a cup of coffee is so ingrained in their morning routine that they have an automatic coffee maker programmed to brew a pot of coffee so it’s ready to drink as soon as they wake up.

Since it’s the daily rituals that have the most impact on our health, it’s important to know how your coffee consumption affects your heart. According to cardiologists, it all depends on how you suffer.

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Is coffee good for heart health?

When it comes to the impact of black coffee (without anything in it) on heart health, scientific research is mixed. “Many studies have been conducted on coffee, with mixed results. We know that coffee can increase blood pressure and stiff arteries, both of which are bad for the heart. However, one study found that drinking coffee in moderation could lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other heart health risk factors, according to Dr. Edo Paz, MD, MPH, cardiologist and senior vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart.

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Given this conflicting data, Dr. Paz recommends drinking coffee in moderation, limiting it to one cup per day. Dr. Sam Setareh, MD, MS, FACC, the director of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular performance at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, also recommends drinking black coffee in moderation.

“Studies suggest that one to two cups of black coffee per day may improve cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart failure and promoting vascular function through its antioxidant properties. However, excess caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, especially in sensitive people,” he explains.

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The worst type of coffee for heart health

Although scientific studies show that drinking black coffee in moderation can benefit cardiovascular health, both cardiologists say that how you prepare your coffee is important. Both doctors say that coffee drinks containing sugar are absolutely not good for heart health.

“Highly sugary specialty drinks like caramel macchiatos or frappuccino mixes do more harm than good when it comes to heart health. These drinks often contain hundreds of calories, high amounts of sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can negate the potential heart health benefits of coffee,” says Dr. Setareh.

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Dr. Paz agrees, saying, “I would advise staying away from all high-sugar coffee drinks. Flavored coffees with a lot of syrup would fall into this category and they are generally not good for the heart.

Take for example a caramel macchiato. A large Starbucks Caramel Macchiato has 33 grams of added sugar, which is more sugar than the American Heart Association recommends consuming in an entire day. By the way, it’s not just the coffees you buy at cafes that can be high in sugar; Dr. Paz says ready-to-drink coffee products can also be high in sugar.

Both doctors say drinking sugary coffee every day can have adverse health effects. “Added sugar has low nutritional value and can cause many health problems. Too much sugar can damage blood vessels, lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease. It can also lead to other risk factors for heart disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure,” says Dr. Paz.

Dr. Setareh says the combination of sugar and caffeine in coffee drinks can be particularly harmful. “The combination of sugar and caffeine can create a stress response, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, these factors contribute to inflammation, plaque formation, and a high risk of heart disease,” he says.

How to make your coffee consumption heart-healthy

If you prefer sweetened coffees over black coffee, Dr. Paz recommends brewing your coffee at home instead of purchasing a pre-prepared latte product or your coffee at a coffee shop. This way you can control the amount of sugar or other ingredients, like cream, that you add. Instead of sugar, consider adding cinnamon to your coffee, which is beneficial for heart health.

“If you love coffee, opt for simpler brews like black coffee or espresso, or add unsweetened plant-based milk,” says Dr. Setareh, offering his advice on how to keep your coffee habit healthy for the heart.

Dr. Paz reiterates the importance of drinking coffee in moderation. Even if you love black coffee, drinking cup after cup of it all day can end up harming your health. “I enjoy a cup each morning to help start my day, then I switch to water and other low-sugar, caffeine-free drinks for the rest of the day. It’s about keeping a balance,” he says.

As long as you keep these tips in mind, you can rest assured that when you have your morning cup of coffee, you’re starting the day by doing something that benefits your heart instead of working against it. And it’s a great way to start the day.

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