Surprise! A cup of coffee actually reduces your AFib risks
For years, doctors have told the 10 million atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients in the U.S. to avoid drinking coffee. But the DECAF study (Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation?), conducted by researchers in California and Australia, reveals that one cup or one shot of espresso daily (not more) has a very positive benefit. Over six months, a group of 200 patients who had persistent AFib or a related condition known as atrial flutter reduced their risk of recurring episodes of AFib by 39%!
The researchers suggest that there are multiple reasons why that shot of joe is helping control the heart's rhythm. First, coffee can act as a diuretic, lowering blood pressure, which reduces the risk of AFib. Second, it contains polyphenols and other substances that reduce levels of inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). Inflammation fuels AFib. Third, they also mention that caffeine is associated with increased physical activity, which benefits heart health. And fourth, they conjecture that the coffee may have replaced an unhealthy beverage such as a soda.
I am a major fan of coffee for its wide range of health effects, from helping manage blood sugar to reducing the risk of Parkinson's, protecting your brain and reducing your risk of death from heart, kidney and liver disease. But make sure you don't overdo it and drink it black and sugar-free!
For more ways to protect your heart health, check out my newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com and what my YouTube video "Dr. Roizen's Tips for Living to 100."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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