Daily coffee and a lower risk of atrial fibrillation
New research suggests a daily coffee may protect against atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that increases stroke and heart failure risk. Contrary to longstanding advice to limit caffeine, participants who drank at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily had a 39 per cent lower risk of AFib recurrence.
The findings come from the DECAF study, the first randomised trial to examine coffee’s effect on AFib, conducted by the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Adelaide. The six-month trial involved 200 patients with persistent AFib or atrial flutter undergoing electrical cardioversion. Researchers suggest coffee’s benefits may stem from its anti inflammatory compounds, diuretic effects that reduce blood pressure and replacing less healthy beverages.
“The results were astounding,” says first author Christopher X Wong. Senior author Gregory M Marcus adds coff ee may also increase physical activity, further lowering AFib risk. The study indicates moderate coff ee consumption is safe and potentially protective for heart rhythm.
Source: University of California, San Francisco
This article is featured in Wellbeing Magazine 222
