Most of us have seen quirky mugs that say things like, “But first, coffee,” or “Coffee, Because Adulting Is Tough.” Millions of Americans kick off their mornings with a steaming cup of coffee and a smile. Some even keep the caffeine flowing throughout the day. But is this a wise choice? For a long time, we’ve been cautioned that excessive coffee intake might lead to irregular heartbeats. However, a new study suggests there’s no need to stop brewing your favorite blend: Coffee is not harmful to your heart.
The Washington Post recently reported on research from the University of California, San Francisco, which examined coffee consumption among over 380,000 participants. Surprisingly, the researchers found no link between coffee intake and an increased risk of arrhythmias, nor did it affect how coffee drinkers metabolized caffeine.
Many coffee lovers will be pleased to hear that the study also indicated those who consumed more coffee might actually have a lower risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart failure related to Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a type of arrhythmia. The CDC projects that by 2030, as many as 12 million Americans will experience AFib. In 2018, AFib was responsible for over 25,000 deaths in the U.S. Knowing that coffee won’t worsen these alarming statistics is a relief for caffeine enthusiasts.
Gregory Allen, a cardiologist and professor at UCSF, and the lead author of the study, told the Washington Post that the findings “are robust enough to show that a blanket ban on coffee or caffeine among those with or concerned about arrhythmias is likely unwarranted.”
Marcus and his team analyzed data from the UK Biobank collected between 2006 and 2018. They first evaluated self-reported coffee habits and found that those who drank more were less likely to develop irregular heartbeats. In fact, each cup of coffee was linked to a 3% lower risk of arrhythmia, even after accounting for factors like alcohol use, smoking, health conditions, and physical activity that could cause heart palpitations.
The researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization, which doesn’t depend on self-reporting—something they noted can be unreliable. Instead, they examined genetic variants that affect caffeine metabolism. Interestingly, those who metabolize caffeine quickly tend to drink more coffee, but no connection was found between genetic differences and an increased risk of arrhythmias.
“The relationship between coffee consumption and arrhythmias has produced mixed findings,” stated Fred Thompson, an electrophysiologist and director of Heart Rhythm Services at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. “However, most studies suggest either no relationship or perhaps even an improvement in arrhythmias associated with coffee.”
While this data shows a positive correlation between coffee and arrhythmias, Thompson cautioned against encouraging people to drink coffee solely to reduce their risk of irregular heartbeats. Despite the study’s large sample size and thorough research, Daniel Roberts, an associate section head of cardiac electrophysiology at the Cleveland Clinic who wasn’t involved in the coffee study, pointed out the potential for bias. Although the Mendelian method is valuable, it isn’t flawless.
He suggested to the Washington Post that ideally, future studies would involve randomized trials comparing groups consuming caffeine to those receiving a placebo. This way, arrhythmia effects could be measured over a more extended period.
Is the science flawless? No. Should you go overboard with coffee as a preventative measure? No. But if you enjoy your daily cup of coffee, there’s no need to give it up—not for the sake of your heart health. In fact, you might even gain more than just a decreased risk of AFib from your coffee routine.
“If you appreciate the flavor and the immediate boost to your focus that coffee provides, studies like this indicate there’s no cardiovascular downside to enjoying it,” Roberts said.
We’ve long understood that coffee can offer various benefits, such as enhancing physical performance and acting as a fat burner. Additionally, it may lower your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even Parkinson’s disease, according to Healthline. Plus, it serves as a natural antioxidant. And who doesn’t love a little boost in energy?
So, treat yourself to your favorite coffee shop for a quick latte and perhaps a sweet snack. You deserve it! And who knows? Your heart might just appreciate it too.
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