Atrial fibrillation patients have long been advised to stay away from caffeine, lest it cause congestion or heart rhythm disturbances. But the study, conducted by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) and published in the medical journal JAMA, showed that moderate coffee may be protective rather than a trigger.
The clinical trial, dubbed “DECAF,” included 200 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who were preparing for “arrhythmia” surgery to restore the normal rhythm.
The participants were divided into two groups: the first continued to drink caffeinated coffee every day, while the second committed to abstaining from caffeine in all its forms for six months.
Six months later, the results showed that atrial fibrillation reappeared in only 47% of the group who continued to drink coffee, compared to 64% among those who abstained, meaning a 39% lower risk of recurrence in coffee drinkers.
“Patients who suffer from or fear atrial fibrillation can rest assured that drinking coffee in moderation does not pose a risk, but may even be beneficial,” he said.
It is believed that coffee may help stabilize heart activity through its anti-inflammatory effect and improve blood vessel function, in addition to containing antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress that may damage heart cells.
Some previous studies have suggested that moderate caffeine may improve electrical conduction in the heart muscle, reducing the likelihood of arrhythmias.
Despite the positive results, the researchers emphasized that the trial only included people who drank coffee in the last five years, so the results cannot be generalized to all patients, especially those for whom caffeine causes direct blinking.
Dr. Marcus also explained that the study did not include energy drinks or high-caffeine supplements, and warned that these products can cause tremors even in healthy young adults.
“The results should not be interpreted as a license to consume large amounts of caffeine, as moderate coffee is very different from the high doses found in stimulant drinks.”
Experts say the findings may reexamine traditional medical guidelines that have long advised heart patients to avoid coffee. According to Dr. Marcus, “We should probably think of coffee as a positive lifestyle factor, not a risk factor.”
However, the researchers called for longer-term studies to confirm the link between coffee and heart health, and to determine the optimal amount of daily consumption that would be beneficial without side effects.
Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world, consumed by more than two billion people every day. In recent years, it has been linked to a number of potential benefits, including a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.