The Effect Caffeine has on Heart Rate

Shara Goff

Intoduction
Caffeine is most commonly consumed by humans in infusions extracted from the
seed of the coffee plant and the leaves of the tea bush, as well as from various foods
and drinks containing products derived from kola nut. In humans,caffeine acts as a
central nervous system stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring
alertness. It is the worlds most widely consumed psychoactive drug.In North
America,90% of adults consume caffeine daily. Ordinary consumption can have low
health risks, unless of course over consumtion, leading to toxicity occurs(1). In our
study, we wanted to see if there was a direct correlation between caffeine consumption
and heart rate.Our hypothesis is that the consumption of coffee will have a more effect
on our heart rate than regular soda.

Materials and Methods

1. There are four participants in this study.
2. You will need a 12 oz regular soda,12oz diet soda,12oz cup of coffee and a 12oz
cup of water.
3. Study was conducted on Monday and Wednesday for 1-week.
4. You will need a stopwatch to keep track of time.
Our first participant observed their heart rate with the consumption of a 12oz regular
soda,which had a caffeine content between 46-55mg.Second participant observed there
heart rate with consumption of a 12oz diet soda, which had a caffeine content between
27-47mg.Third participant observed their heart rate with the consumption of a 12 oz cup
of coffee,which had a caffeine content between 27-173mg.Final participant was our
neutral participant,they observed there heart rate with the consumption of only 12 oz
cup of water,no caffeine.This study was performed on Monday,and Wedseday for a
1-week periode.Participants took their heart rate before any caffeine was
consumed.This was done by taking your index finger and middle finger placing it on
your radial artery, counting for 15 seconds and then multiply the number times four.
Make sure when counting your heart beat you are using a stopwatch to be most
accurate.Then each participant consumed the beverage within a 5-minute span,using a
stopwatch to keep track. After the beverages were consumed,the timer was then reset
for 5 minutes.When the desires time had passed,each participants then took their heart
rates again,using the same steps outlined earlier.Again,the timer was set for another
5-minute span,with each person checking their heart rate after the desired time had

passed.The first participant continued to check their heart rate in the same manner at
the 15 minute, 20 minute, and 60 minute intervals.

Results
The results that were collected for this lab were applied to a table and then graphed.See
figure 1,2. It showed the difference in heart rate between caffeine and no caffeine.The
results indicated that coffee had most effect on heart rate and long lasting than the other
drinks consumed. For the first participant Results were applied to a table and graph.See
figure 3,4.

Discussion
The results for the first participant after consuming the 12 oz regular soda. Heart rate
spiked the highest within the first 5 minutes after consumption,and then falling at or
below starting heart rate within the following 5 minutes.At the post 60-minutes
point,heart rate was still 2 to 4 beats slower then pre caffeine consumption.Alertness in
regards to agility and stamina didnt seem to waiver throughout the study.The overall
completion of results indicated that diet soda had the greatest effect in causing the heart
rate to spike compared to other drinks.Coffee had the longest lasting effect on an
elevated heart rate.Water showed no change in heart rate,which was exspected
because there was no caffeine intake.Although the data collected can be supported
through previous research,it also can be determined to be hardly accurate with its
findings.There are multiple reasons for error that could have caused inaccurate
findings.These areas include but are not limited to;human error with data collected
regarding heart rate retrieval,the percentage of caffeine is not entirely accurate due to
its variation,and ones personal metabolism.

conclusion
The results indicated that coffee has more effect on heart rate than soda.The heart rate
increased with coffee more than the soda.This correlation was strong at best.The data
proving that the amount of caffeine needed to produce effects varies from person to
person,depending on body size and degree of tolerance,thus a direct correlation
between caffeine and heart rate cannot be obtained.What can be said for caffeine is
that it tends to improve performance during sleep deprivation but may lead to
insomnia.In shift workers it leads to fewer mistakes caused by tiredness.In
athletes,moderate doses of caffeine can improve sprint and endurance.Caffeine is also
the primary treatment of the breathing disorders, preventing bronchopulmonary

dysphasia in premature infants.(2).As indicated,caffeine consumption has many benefits

overall.The only way to have ill effects from its consumption would be if one consumed
extreme or toxic amounts,usually more than 250mg per day.This can lead to a condition
called caffeinism.The symptoms for this condition includes heart
palpitations,nervousness,irritable,restlessness,insomnia and headaches.(3).

References
1.http:www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/ano1211
2.http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/caffeine
3.http:www.livingstrong.com/article/289768-the-effects-of-caffeine-on-the-heart/