BACKGROUND: Coffee is commonly consumed among young people in China. However, consumers are rarely aware of physicaly adverse effects as a result of excessive consumption of caffeine. DATA SOURCES: A literature search using multiple databases was performed for articles published with concentration on meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Excess coffee consumption is also a risk of primary cardiac arrest especially in young people. Treatment modalities include activated charcoals, beta-blockers, vasopressin and hemodialysis when necessary. CONCLUSION: Coffee consumers should be advised not to routinely take more than moderate coffee.