Overview
- In the DECAF trial, 200 adults with atrial fibrillation were randomized after cardioversion to drink at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily or avoid all caffeine for six months.
- Recurrent atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 47% of the coffee group versus 64% of the no-caffeine group, reflecting a 39% lower risk with coffee.
- Results were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and published in JAMA on the same day.
- Participants were mostly older, male, and white habitual coffee drinkers, and the study did not track exercise, diet, or effects of other caffeinated beverages.
- About one-third of those assigned to avoid caffeine reported at least one cup during the study, a nonadherence that tempers broad conclusions while still challenging blanket caffeine-avoidance advice.