By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR

Published: | Updated:

Drinking a cup of coffee every day can protect against a common heart rhythm disorder, according to a new study.

Experts have discovered a link between the caffeinated drink and a lower risk of atrial fibrillation – a condition that causes a rapid, irregular heartbeat and can lead to stroke and heart failure.

This is surprising, they say, because doctors typically recommend people with heart issues avoid caffeine out of fear it will trigger symptoms.

And the ‘astounding’ results could have significant implications for patient advice and care.

The team, from the University of California – San Francisco, enrolled 200 coffee-drinking patients with persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter for their study.

Participants were scheduled for electrical cardioversion, a treatment that uses a single electrical shock to shift the heart back into a normal rhythm.

They were then randomly assigned either to drink one cup of caffeinated coffee or an espresso shot each day for six months, or abstain completely from coffee and other caffeinated products.

Analysis revealed the group that consumed coffee had a 39 per cent lower risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation episodes.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes a rapid, irregular heartbeat and can lead to stroke and heart failure (file image)

‘Coffee increases physical activity which is known to reduce atrial fibrillation,’ Gregory Marcus, senior author of the paper, said.

‘Caffeine is also a diuretic, which could potentially reduce blood pressure and in turn lessen atrial fibrillation risk.

‘Several other ingredients in coffee also have anti-inflammatory properties that could have positive effects.’

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, the researchers speculate that drinking coffee might also reduce the risk simply by making people consume fewer unhealthy beverages.

‘The results were astounding,’ first author Christopher Wong, added.

‘Doctors have always recommended that patients with problematic atrial fibrillation minimize their coffee intake, but this trial suggests that coffee is not only safe but likely to be protective.’

Recent figures, published by the British Heart Foundation, reveal that the number of people in the UK with the condition has risen by 50 per cent in a decade.

Some 1.5 million people – the equivalent of one in 45 – are known to be living with the disorder. The findings were published in the journal JAMA.

WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

A normal heart rate should be regular and between 60 and 100 beats a minute when you’re resting.

You can measure your heart rate by feeling the pulse in your neck or wrist.

In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute.

This can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance, affecting around 1 million people in the UK.

It can affect adults of any age, but it’s more common in older people. It affects about 7 in 100 people aged over 65.

You may be aware of noticeable heart palpitations, where your heart feels like it’s pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or, in some cases, a few minutes.

You should make an appointment to see your GP if:

  • you notice a sudden change in your heartbeat
  • your heart rate is consistently lower than 60 or above 100 (particularly if you’re experiencing other symptoms of atrial fibrillation, such as dizziness and shortness of breath)
  • See your GP as soon as possible if you have chest pain.

Source: NHS 



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