Dangerous heart rhythm and coffee: the link — A new study suggests that a cup of caffeinated coffee a day may reduce the risk of recurring irregular heartbeats rather than make them worse.
For years, people with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, were told to avoid caffeine.
But this study shows that moderate coffee consumption may not only be safe but possibly protective.
Participants who drank at least one cup of caffeinated coffee a day had a significantly lower risk of experiencing recurrent episodes compared to those who avoided caffeine.
Researchers suggest a few reasons why coffee could help. Caffeine may boost physical activity, which supports healthier heart rhythms.
It also has a mild diuretic effect, which could reduce blood pressure and ease stress on the heart.
Additionally, coffee contains compounds that may reduce inflammation, which is increasingly linked to irregular heartbeats.
Inside the Trial
The trial, called the DECAF study, was the first randomized clinical trial to specifically examine caffeinated coffee in people with persistent atrial fibrillation or a related condition, like atrial flutter.
It enrolled 200 adults who were already regular coffee drinkers and scheduled for a procedure to restore normal heart rhythm.
Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One continued drinking at least one cup of caffeinated coffee each day. The other avoided all caffeinated beverages for six months.
By the end of the study, the coffee-drinking group had a noticeably lower rate of recurring heart rhythm problems.
The risk was roughly 39 percent lower than in the group that abstained from caffeine.
Do you drink coffee?
If you have atrial fibrillation or are worried about it, this is encouraging news.
You might not need to automatically give up coffee. Moderate consumption may even provide a protective benefit.
That said, this doesn’t mean unlimited coffee or that it replaces medical care.
Heart rhythm issues are influenced by many factors, including age, weight, blood pressure, sleep and other health conditions.
The study focused on people who were already regular coffee drinkers and consumed about one cup per day.
Results may not apply to heavy coffee drinkers or those who don’t normally drink coffee.
This research challenges the long-held belief that caffeine is harmful for people with irregular heart rhythms, especially A-fib.
On the other hand, drinking a daily caffeinated cup of coffee shouldn’t make you think you’ll never develop A-fib, either.
My father drinks coffee daily and has atrial fibrillation (takes medication for it, of course).
What’s more inviting here is that having that daily coffee with caffeine shouldn’t worry you about developing this dangerous heart condition, according to the study.
As always, your situation is unique, so if you have heart rhythm issues or believe you may have, due to sensations of thumping or fluttering in your chest, talk with your healthcare provider about what this means for you personally.
