But you're lucky, relatively speaking. If you were shot in the heart, your blood pressure would quickly drop, but it would take 10 to 15 seconds to lose brain function. In that time you could draw your gun, utter last words, or spend some time thinking about your unfortunate situation.
Caffeine can cause indigestion, which in turn may lead to heart palpitations. However, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) can also cause palpitations, and this condition is more of a concern. Seek medical attention if your palpitations last longer than two or three minutes.
Causes of Heart Palpitations. Heart palpitations can be caused by any stimulant. Excess caffeine is a common cause of a pounding heart, and some people will experience heart palpitations with even a small amount of caffeine. One cup of coffee can contain 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine.