For years, many atrial fibrillation patients were told coffee is the enemy.
But new research in JAMA challenges that idea.
In 200 adults with persistent AFib who already drank coffee, researchers asked half to drink at least 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day and half to avoid caffeine completely - for 6 months.T
hose in the coffee group had a 39% lower risk of AFib recurrence.
What’s behind this result?
The authors point to several mechanisms:
• Better long-term blood pressure control
• More daily movement (in earlier trials, coffee drinkers walked ~1,000 extra steps/day)
• Anti-inflammatory compounds in coffee
• Electrophysiological effects that may stabilise the atria
This doesn’t mean “everyone with AFib should start drinking coffee”.
The study was small, included existing coffee drinkers, and needs replication.
But the data challenge the idea that every person with AFib must cut out caffeine entirely.
At Executive Health, we focus on data-driven, individualised decisions, from blood pressure and weight to sleep, alcohol and, yes, coffee, supported by advanced atrial fibrillation monitoring as part of our heart screening.
(Link to the full JAMA article in the comments.)
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