Coffee Consumption Linked to Lower Risk of Irregular Heartbeats, New study Finds
San Francisco, CA – A new six-month study involving older adults in the US, Canada, and Australia suggests that drinking caffeinated coffee may actually reduce the risk of irregular heartbeats, challenging previous advice to limit or avoid coffee for those with heart conditions. The findings, published Sunday, indicate that participants who consumed at least one cup of coffee daily were 17% less likely to experience a recurrence of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) during the trial and experienced longer intervals before their first instance of an irregular heartbeat.
The study, led by cardiologist and University of California, San Francisco professor of medicine Dr. Gregory Marcus, involved individuals who had previously consumed coffee. Participants were randomly assigned to either continue their caffeine intake or eliminate it, self-reporting consumption via video checkups. Researchers utilized electrocardiograms and wearable monitors to track heart rhythms and identify irregularities. “How protective caffeinated coffee does seem to be to prevent atrial fibrillation,” Marcus told NBC News, describing his interpretation of the trial’s outcome.
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rythm disorder that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. While many doctors have historically advised patients with A-fib to limit caffeine,this research suggests a more nuanced relationship may exist.
However, researchers acknowledge limitations within the study. Factors such as caffeine intake from sources other than coffee, as well as variations in participants’ exercise habits and diets, were not tracked.
Dr. Johanna Contreras, a cardiologist at New York’s Mount Sinai Fuster heart Hospital, cautioned against interpreting the results as definitive proof of a protective effect. “This shows you can have a cup of coffee in the morning and be OK if you have A-fib,” she told NBC News, suggesting moderate consumption is likely safe for those with the condition.
