A new, large-scale study, named DECAF, whose results were published in JAMA, entirely changes the view on the link between changes in heart rhythm and the consumption of caffeinated coffee.
According to traditional medicine, coffee consumption can provoke arrhythmia in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, a new clinical trial, conducted in 5 hospitals across the US, Canada, and Australia, calls this notion into question.
The study included 200 adult patients with atrial fibrillation who had successfully undergone the cardioversion procedure. They were divided into two groups for a period of 6 months:
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Coffee Consumer Group: Consumed an average of at least 1 cup of caffeinated coffee per day.
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Abstinence Group: Completely refrained from coffee and any other caffeinated products.
After six months, the results proved surprising:
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Recurrence of atrial fibrillation was observed in 47% of coffee consumers.
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Recurrence of atrial fibrillation was observed in 64% of the abstinence group.
The study showed that coffee consumption was associated with a 39% lower risk of disease recurrence compared to patients who abstained from caffeine. Importantly, no increase in adverse effects was observed in the coffee consumer group.
The study authors conclude that moderate consumption of coffee and other caffeinated products may be considered safe for patients with atrial fibrillation, which unequivocally changes the approach to managing the disease.
