Overview
- Adults randomized to drink at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily after cardioversion had fewer AFib or atrial flutter recurrences over six months than those avoiding caffeine (47% vs 64%).
- The difference corresponds to a 39% lower risk of first recurrence in the coffee group during follow-up.
- Recurrences were confirmed using clinic electrocardiograms, wearable monitors and implantable cardiac devices overseen by the study team.
- Participants were older adults who were already coffee drinkers, predominantly male and white, and were enrolled across the United States, Canada and Australia.
- Authors and the American Heart Association note potential practice implications for allowing caffeinated coffee or tea in AF management, while stressing limitations including self-reported intake, limited lifestyle tracking, crossover in the avoidance arm and uncertain effects of higher doses or non-coffee caffeine.