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Cardiologist Debunks Decades-Old Myth: Coffee Not Harmful for Atrial Fibrillation
18 Nov
Summary
- Randomized trial finds coffee drinkers had 39% lower chance of recurring atrial fibrillation
- Decades-old advice to avoid coffee for atrial fibrillation patients may be unfounded
- Cardiologist cautions against excessive coffee consumption, but says morning cup may be protective
According to a report published on November 17, 2025, a US cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of experience has challenged the medical advice to avoid coffee and caffeine for patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of contracting normally.
For decades, doctors have told patients with atrial fibrillation to avoid caffeine, believing it would negatively affect the heart rhythm and trigger more episodes. However, a recent randomized controlled trial has put this long-held belief to the test. The study involved 200 patients with atrial fibrillation, with one group drinking caffeinated coffee daily and the other group abstaining completely.
The results were surprising - patients who drank at least one cup of coffee per day had a 39% lower chance of recurrent atrial fibrillation in the 6 months after the procedure, compared to those who avoided coffee. The cardiologist cautioned that this is just one study with a relatively small sample size, and advised against excessive coffee consumption. However, he stated that the findings suggest the morning cup of coffee may actually be protective, not dangerous, for atrial fibrillation patients.
