Daily Coffee May Cut AFib Risk by 39%, Study Finds

In a groundbreaking clinical trial that challenges conventional medical wisdom, researchers have discovered that daily coffee consumption may actually reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with the heart condition. The Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation (DECAF) trial, presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025, followed 200 adults with AFib who had undergone cardioversion therapy to restore normal heart rhythm. Participants who continued drinking at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily showed a remarkable 39% reduction in AFib recurrence compared to those who avoided all caffeine, with only 47% of coffee drinkers experiencing recurrent episodes versus 64% in the no-caffeine group.

The study, led by Dr. Christopher X. Wong and senior author Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, was conducted across multiple healthcare centers in the United States, Australia, and Canada between 2021 and 2024. All participants were regular coffee drinkers before the study, typically consuming about one cup daily, and were randomly assigned to either maintain their coffee habit or eliminate all caffeine for six months following their cardioversion treatment. The research team monitored participants for AFib or atrial flutter episodes lasting more than 30 seconds, verified through medical professionals or personal health devices with medical-grade electrocardiograms. The findings suggest that naturally caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea may not trigger abnormal heart rhythms as previously believed, potentially revolutionizing dietary recommendations for AFib patients.

While the results are promising, researchers caution that the study has important limitations. The findings apply specifically to people who already drink moderate amounts of coffee and may not extend to heavy coffee consumers or those who consume other caffeinated products like energy drinks. Additionally, some individuals might still experience AFib symptoms triggered by caffeine. The study's publication in the prestigious JAMA journal lends credibility to these findings, which could significantly impact clinical practice for the more than 6 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation. Healthcare professionals may now feel more comfortable allowing their AFib patients to experiment with moderate coffee consumption if they enjoy it, marking a potential paradigm shift in cardiovascular care and patient lifestyle management.