Regular coffee consumption may significantly lower risk for arrhythmias

Coffee is a stimulant and is the most common form of cognitive enhancement. It has been assumed that, because of the effects of caffeine on enhancing the mind and heart rate, it may contribute to arrhythmia. But results of a new study are contrary to the common belief.

Regular coffee consumption is associated with a significantly lower risk for arrhythmias, according to a study presented recently as part of the Heart Rhythm Society online meeting: HRS 2020 Science.

There is significant public and professional interest in the role of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks in cardiovascular health. Extensive research over the past decade suggests that many widely held beliefs regarding caffeine may not be evidence-based. The present study provides a comprehensive review of the impact of caffeinated beverages on cardiac rhythm.

Eun-Jeong Kim, M.D., from the University of California in San Francisco, and colleagues investigated the association between habitual caffeine consumption and the risk for arrhythmia among 357,022 participants in the U.K. Biobank.

The researchers found that during 5.25 years of follow-up, there were 8,159 incident arrhythmias diagnosed (6,999 atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, 890 supraventricular tachycardia, 459 ventricular tachycardia, and 385 premature ventricular complex). Coffee consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk for arrhythmia (hazard ratios: one to two cups, 0.90; three to four cups, 0.86; five cups or more, 0.85) compared with no consumption. Each additional daily cup of coffee was associated with a lower incidence of arrhythmia (hazard ratio, 0.96). Except for premature ventricular complexes, there was a reduction in arrhythmia incidence observed for each subtype.

"Results should reassure patients and physicians of the low risks associated with regular coffee consumption, and we hope it will encourage providers to work directly with patients to determine and personalize their specific lifestyle factors, including caffeine consumption," Kim said in a statement.

More information: Press Release