Can Green Tea Cause Heart Palpitations?

Yes, green tea can cause heart palpitations, but usually only when you drink more than the typical 2–3 cups a day. The caffeine in green tea is the main trigger, and for most people the sensation passes on its own once caffeine wears off.

Why Green Tea Can Trigger Palpitations

Green tea is linked to real benefits: it may support metabolism, heart health and weight management. But like any caffeinated drink, too much of it can cause side effects, including irritability, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, headache and heart palpitations.

Palpitations are a sensation of fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeats. In healthy people, controlled studies have not found that typical caffeine intake causes dangerous heart rhythms, though people vary in how sensitive they are, and some notice palpitations after caffeine even when their heart rhythm is normal. Caffeine is one of the most common triggers people report, and drinking more green tea than your body is used to can bring one on.

If palpitations are frequent, last a long time, or come with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, stop drinking caffeine and see a doctor promptly — these can be signs of a heart rhythm problem that needs evaluation.

How Much Green Tea Is Too Much?

The generally recommended intake is 2–3 cups of green tea a day, which is enough to enjoy its benefits without excess caffeine. Going well beyond that raises the risk of the side effects above.

Green tea also contains catechins, including EGCG, which in very high concentrated doses — typically from supplements or extracts, not brewed tea — have been linked to rare cases of liver injury. Brewed tea consumed in normal amounts is not associated with this risk.

Tips to Lower the Caffeine in Your Cup

• Steep the leaves in hot water for about 30 seconds, then discard that water.
• Pour fresh hot water over the same leaves and steep again as usual.
• Caffeine dissolves quickly, so this "rinse" removes a good portion of it while keeping most of the flavor and antioxidants.
• You can also switch to a naturally decaffeinated green tea.

Side Effects and Precautions

• Caffeine sensitivity: if you're prone to anxiety, insomnia or a fast heart rate, keep to 1–2 cups a day or choose decaf.
• Iron and folic acid absorption: the tannins in green tea can reduce absorption of iron and folic acid; avoid drinking it right alongside iron-rich meals if you're anemic.
• Heart conditions: if you have an existing arrhythmia or heart condition, talk to your doctor before making green tea a daily habit.
• Pregnancy: keep caffeine intake low and check with your doctor about safe limits.

FAQ

Is it normal for my heart to race after drinking green tea?

A mild, brief increase in heart rate after caffeine is common and not usually a concern. Frequent or prolonged palpitations are not normal and are worth discussing with a doctor.

How much green tea is safe per day?

Most healthy adults tolerate 2–3 cups a day well. Sensitivity to caffeine varies, so pay attention to how your body responds.

Does decaf green tea still cause palpitations?

Decaffeinated green tea still contains a small amount of caffeine, but far less than regular green tea, so it's a good option if you're sensitive.

The Bottom Line

Green tea is safe and beneficial for most people at normal intakes, but its caffeine can cause heart palpitations if you overdo it. Stick to 2–3 cups a day, watch how your body reacts, and see a doctor if palpitations are frequent or severe.

Related reading: Is Green Tea a Diuretic?, How to Make Green Tea, Black Tea vs Green Tea: Difference, Taste, Health, Caffeine