A new clinical trial, the DECAF (Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation?) study, suggests that drinking caffeinated coffee is safe for people with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and may even offer a protective effect against the recurrence of the common heart rhythm disorder.
Key Findings and Context
- A-fib is a common heart disorder affecting over 10 million Americans, causing palpitations and raising the risk of heart failure and stroke.
- The relationship between caffeine and A-fib episodes has long been unclear, leading many doctors to advise patients to avoid coffee.
- The DECAF study, led by cardiologist Dr. Gregory Marcus, randomized 200 older regular coffee drinkers with a history of treated or resolved A-fib into two groups over six months: one that cut out caffeine and one that had at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily.
- Recurrence rates were lower in the coffee-drinking group (47%) compared to the no-coffee group (64%), and the coffee drinkers went longer before their first recurrent episode.
- The protective nature of caffeinated coffee was more significant than Dr. Marcus anticipated. This study is pivotal because its findings suggest a cause-and-effect link, a departure from prior observational research.
- Caffeinated coffee showed a surprisingly high level of protection, according to Dr. Marcus. Unlike previous observational data, these results suggest a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Why the Effect? (Hypotheses)
The reason for the apparent protective effect is unclear. Dr. Marcus offered two possibilities:
- A non-caffeine anti-inflammatory compound in coffee may be responsible.
- Caffeine might stimulate the body's adrenaline response, potentially staving off A-fib episodes, which are often reported when the "rest and digest" nervous system is active (e.g., during sleep or after a meal).
Important Caveats and Recommendations
- Moderation is key: The study found a protective effect from just one cup per day. The effect of consuming more than one cup daily is unknown, and excessive consumption of caffeine (e.g., multiple cups plus energy drinks) is likely still risky.
- Study limitations: The trial did not track other caffeinated beverages, exercise habits, or diet differences.
- Applies to managed A-fib: The findings may not apply to people currently experiencing unmanaged A-fib episodes, as caffeine could worsen symptoms by increasing pulse rate.
- Personalized advice: As Dr. Contreras notes, "Not everyone has the same reaction to caffeine." Patients who are regular coffee drinkers may feel reassured by this study.
Conclusion for Regular Coffee Drinkers with A-fib: "This shows you can have a cup of coffee in the morning and be OK if you have A-fib," said Dr. Contreras.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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