Daily Coffee Linked to 39% Lower Risk of Recurrent AFib: JAMA Study Finds - Video

Scientists have challenged the long-held belief that coffee worsens heart rhythm problems, revealing that a daily cup may actually reduce outbreaks of atrial fibrillation (AFib) by 39%. Published in JAMA and part of the DECAF trial, this research overturns previous guidance advising AFib patients to avoid caffeine, instead suggesting coffee could have protective effects.

AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder causing rapid, irregular beats that increase stroke and heart failure risk. Rates are rising globally alongside aging populations and obesity. The DECAF study, led by researchers from UC San Francisco and the University of Adelaide, enrolled 200 regular coffee drinkers diagnosed with persistent AFib or atrial flutter. All participants underwent electrical cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm, then were randomized to either drink at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily or abstain for six months.

The coffee group experienced a significantly lower risk of recurrent AFib episodes (47%) compared to the abstainers (64%), with no increase in adverse events. Researchers propose several coffee components may contribute: caffeine boosts physical activity, which is known to reduce AFib risk; caffeine’s diuretic effect may lower blood pressure; and anti-inflammatory compounds in coffee may protect cardiac tissue.

Lead author Dr. Christopher Wong described the results as “astounding,” given the widespread advice for AFib patients to minimize caffeine. Senior author Dr. Gregory Marcus added that coffee consumption seemed safe and likely beneficial, highlighting a shift in understanding coffee’s impact on heart health.

This landmark clinical trial opens new possibilities for AFib management, encouraging clinicians and patients to reconsider caffeine restrictions. While future studies are needed to assess effects across different caffeine doses and starting habits, this finding offers hope for safer, approachable lifestyle modifications that can reduce AFib recurrence and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

REFERENCE: Christopher X. Wong, Christopher C. Cheung, Gabrielle Montenegro, Hannah H. Oo, Isabella J. Peña, Janet J. Tang, Samuel J. Tu, Grace Wall, Thomas A. Dewland, Joshua D. Moss, Edward P. Gerstenfeld, Zian H. Tseng, Henry H. Hsia, Randall J. Lee, Jeffrey E. Olgin, Vasanth Vedantham, Melvin M. Scheinman, Catherine Lee, Prashanthan Sanders, Gregory M. Marcus. Caffeinated Coffee Consumption or Abstinence to Reduce Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA, 2025; DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.21056