Study challenges advice to avoid coffee for those with atrial fibrillation

Coffee lovers rejoice! A new study has found that drinking coffee can actually protect against atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a common heart rhythm disorder. A-Fib can cause rapid, irregular heartbeat and lead to serious conditions like stroke and heart failure.

Traditionally, doctors have advised patients with heart issues like A-Fib to avoid caffeine, fearing it may trigger symptoms. However, a study conducted by UC San Francisco and the University of Adelaide has shown that consuming a cup of caffeinated coffee a day can reduce the risk of A-Fib by 39%.

Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, an electrophysiologist at UCSF Health and the senior author of the study, explained that coffee can increase physical activity, which is known to reduce A-Fib. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic that can lower blood pressure and potentially decrease the risk of A-Fib. The anti-inflammatory properties of other coffee ingredients may also have positive effects on heart health.

A-Fib has been on the rise in recent years due to factors like obesity and an aging population. With over 10 million adults in the U.S. diagnosed with A-Fib, the condition is estimated to affect up to 1 in 3 people. The study, named DECAF (Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation?), is the first randomized clinical trial to explore the connection between caffeinated coffee and A-Fib.

The trial involved 200 coffee-drinking patients with persistent atrial fibrillation or related conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to consume at least one cup of caffeinated coffee or an espresso shot daily, or to abstain from caffeine for six months. The group that consumed coffee had a significantly lower risk of recurrent A-Fib episodes, demonstrating the protective effects of coffee on heart health.

Lead author Christopher X. Wong, Ph.D., noted that the results were surprising, as doctors typically advise A-Fib patients to limit their coffee intake. However, the trial suggests that coffee is not only safe but may actually be beneficial for those with A-Fib.

For more information, the study published in JAMA can be found at DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.21056. This groundbreaking research challenges previous advice on coffee consumption for individuals with atrial fibrillation, offering new insights into the potential benefits of enjoying a daily cup of joe.