NEW YORK, Jan 23: If you're one of the many people who drink coffee, you probably can't imagine starting your day without it. For many, having a cup of coffee is such an essential part of their morning routine that they even set up an automatic coffee maker to brew a pot before they wake up.

Since daily habits have a significant impact on our health, it’s important to consider how your coffee routine affects your heart. According to cardiologists, the impact of coffee on heart health largely depends on how it’s consumed.

Research on black coffee (without any additives) and its effect on heart health has produced mixed results. "Numerous studies have looked at coffee, but the findings are inconclusive. While coffee can raise blood pressure and increase artery stiffness—both of which are harmful to heart health—there is also evidence suggesting that drinking it in moderation may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other heart-related concerns," says Dr. Edo Paz, MD, MPH, a cardiologist and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart.

Considering this conflicting data, Dr. Paz recommends enjoying coffee in moderation, limiting consumption to one cup per day. Dr. Sam Setareh, MD, MS, FACC, Director of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Performance at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, also advocates for moderate consumption of black coffee.

"Studies show that drinking one to two cups of black coffee daily can improve cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of heart failure and improving vascular function, thanks to its antioxidant properties. However, excessive caffeine intake can raise heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in sensitive individuals," Dr. Setareh explains.

While moderate black coffee consumption can have cardiovascular benefits, how you prepare your coffee is crucial. Both doctors agree that coffee drinks containing sugar should be avoided for heart health.

“Highly sweetened drinks like caramel macchiatos or blended frappuccinos do more harm than good when it comes to heart health. These beverages often pack hundreds of calories, large amounts of sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can negate any heart-healthy benefits of coffee,” Dr. Setareh notes.

Dr. Paz concurs, advising against sugary coffee beverages. "Flavored coffees with a lot of syrup are generally not heart-healthy," he says.

For example, a grande Starbucks caramel macchiato contains 33 grams of added sugar—more than the entire daily sugar intake recommended by the American Heart Association. Dr. Paz also warns that ready-to-drink coffee products can be high in sugar as well.

Drinking sugar-sweetened coffee daily can have significant health consequences. "Added sugar offers little nutritional value and can cause various health issues. Excess sugar can damage blood vessels, contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease. It can also lead to other heart disease risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure," explains Dr. Paz.

The combination of sugar and caffeine in coffee drinks can be particularly harmful. “The pairing of sugar with caffeine creates a stress response, raising blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this leads to inflammation, plaque formation, and a heightened risk of heart disease," Dr. Setareh adds.

If you prefer sugar-sweetened coffee, Dr. Paz recommends making your coffee at home rather than buying a pre-made product or ordering from a café. This way, you can control the amount of sugar or other ingredients like creamers. He suggests replacing sugar with cinnamon, which is beneficial for heart health.

"If you enjoy coffee, choose simpler preparations like black coffee or espresso, or add unsweetened plant-based milk," Dr. Setareh advises for a heart-healthy coffee habit.

Dr. Paz reinforces the importance of moderation, even for those who prefer black coffee. Drinking cup after cup throughout the day can still be harmful to your health. “I enjoy a cup every morning to start my day, then switch to water and other low-sugar, non-caffeinated beverages for the rest of the day. It’s all about balance,” he says.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee knowing that it’s benefiting your heart rather than harming it—a great way to start your day.