Daily Coffee May Reduce Irregular Heartbeat Episodes, New Study Suggests
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Contrary to long-held medical advice, a new study published in JAMA indicates that daily coffee consumption may actually reduce the occurrence of irregular heartbeats – specifically, atrial fibrillation (AF) – in some individuals. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found a nearly 40 percent lower recurrence rate of AF episodes among participants who regularly drank coffee.
atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting tens of millions worldwide, dramatically increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. It’s frequently enough linked to factors like obesity, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption, and its prevalence rises with age, fueling a growing need for preventative strategies. The study adds valuable clarity to the complex relationship between coffee and heart health, potentially shifting recommendations for patients.
The research, led by cardiologist and electrophysiologist Gregory Marcus, involved analyzing data from individuals with a history of AF. “The number of people with AF is rising and the risk of developing the condition increases with age,” Marcus stated.”Consequently,there’s certainly a lot of interest in ways to reduce the burden of the condition.”
While the study doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the findings suggest it might potentially be reasonable for healthcare professionals to allow AF patients to experiment with moderate consumption of naturally caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. However, Marcus cautions that individual responses to caffeine can vary.”Some people may still find that caffeine or caffeinated coffee triggers or worsens their AF.”
The study demonstrated a 39 percent reduction in AF recurrence among coffee drinkers (wong et al., JAMA, 2025). This research offers a potentially welcome adjustment to lifestyle recommendations for those managing this increasingly common heart condition.
