That first cup of coffee in the morning can sometimes feel like a lifeline. It helps you start your day off energized and focused—and for many, it’s also a comforting ritual. But it’s important to consider how your morning coffee preferences could be impacting your health. Many ingredients and habits could be particularly harmful to your cardiovascular systems, from the sweeteners you sprinkle in to the number of cups you consume.
To shed some light on a few common coffee habits that could be taking a toll on your heart health, we spoke to Doctor Kirstyn Norman. She warned against excessive sugar, heavy dairy, lack of hydration, and more. Find all of her expert insight below.
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1. Adding too much sugar
If you like your coffee on the sweeter side, you're certainly not alone. Many of us prefer offsetting the bitter taste with a lot of sugar and flavored syrups, bringing it closer to dessert. But Dr. Norman warns that this habit could have consequences.
"Regularly sweetening coffee with sugar or syrup can increase inflammation, raise triglycerides, and contribute to insulin resistance, all of which raise the risk of heart disease over time," she says. Stick to healthier natural sweeteners, like monk fruit, whenever possible!
2. Using full-fat cream or heavy dairy
In addition to a bit of sweetener, you may prefer your coffee on the creamier side. Unfortunately, many popular creamers can be a nightmare for your health when consumed regularly. In general, Dr. Norman recommends steering clear of heavy dairy.
"Adding large amounts of full-fat milk, cream, or whipped toppings can lead to higher saturated fat intake," she says. "For people with raised cholesterol or a family history of heart problems, this can push LDL (bad) cholesterol up further." Say it ain't so! Luckily, a splash skim milk or plant-based milk is a good alternative.
3. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
Coffee for breakfast? Think again! When you forgo real food for your caffeine habit, you set your body up for serious health risks—especially when it comes to your heart, Dr. Norman warns.
"This can spike cortisol levels, especially first thing in the morning," she explains. "Chronic stress hormone elevation is linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular strain." So be sure to eat at least a little something for breakfast alongside your morning cup of joe.
4. Drinking 4+ cups per day
When a poor night's sleep comes face to face with a busy schedule, you may find yourself guzzling cup after cup of coffee to avoid losing steam. But the unfortunate truth is that excessive coffee intake can damage your heart in the long run.
"Too much caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure and cause irregular rhythms or palpitations in sensitive individuals," Dr. Norman says. "Moderation is key, especially for those already managing heart health." Got it!
5. Pairing coffee with smoking
The Parisians may look cool doing it, but smoking a cigarette with your coffee is an absolute red flag when it comes to your cardiovascular health—and your overall wellbeing, for that matter.
"Coffee and cigarettes are a classic combination, but both increase heart disease risk significantly," Dr. Norman reminds us. "Smoking constricts blood vessels, and caffeine can magnify its effects." Just say no!
6. Failing to hydrate
In addition to making sure you eat breakfast with your morning coffee, you should make sure you have another, more hydrating beverage nearby. (Hint: water!)
"Coffee is mildly dehydrating," Dr. Norman explains. "Skipping water can make the blood thicker and harder for the heart to pump, especially if you drink coffee throughout the day without topping up fluids." Plus, having water first thing in the morning is a good daily habit for your overall health, whether there's coffee involved or not.
7. Adding coconut oil or butter to coffee
Sorry, keto fans! According to Dr. Norman, adding fat to your coffee may not be the healthiest way to go, especially if you're prioritizing your cardiovascular health.
"Trendy drinks like bulletproof coffee are high in saturated fat, which may raise cholesterol levels if consumed regularly, particularly in people already at risk of heart disease," she warns. You're better off taking it straight up.
The more you know!
