Overview
- Researchers randomized 200 adults after successful cardioversion to drink at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily or to avoid all caffeine for six months.
- Recurrent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter occurred in 47% of the coffee group versus 64% of the avoidance group, a 39% lower risk confirmed with medical‑grade ECG verification.
- The late-breaking findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and published in JAMA on the same day.
- Investigators say patients who enjoy caffeinated coffee or tea may reasonably try them under individualized advice, though some people report caffeine as a symptom trigger.
- Results are based on self-reported intake and a cohort of older, mostly male and white participants drinking about one cup per day, so they may not generalize to heavy caffeine use, energy drinks, or unmanaged AFib, and the protective mechanism remains unclear.