A recent study suggests that consuming a daily cup of coffee may significantly reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition linked to serious health complications such as heart failure and stroke. This groundbreaking research, conducted by a team at the University of Adelaide in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), involved a randomized clinical trial with 200 patients diagnosed with AF from Australia, the United States, and Canada.
For the study, known as the DECAF trial (Does Eliminating Coffee Avoid Fibrillation), half of the participants were instructed to consume at least one cup of coffee or an espresso shot daily, while the other half abstained from all caffeinated products. Over a period of six months, patients were regularly monitored for episodes of AF, with confirmations made using electrocardiograms and similar devices.
The results revealed a striking outcome. According to Professor Christopher X. Wong, the first author of the study and a researcher at the University of Adelaide and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the coffee drinkers experienced a remarkable 39 percent reduction in recurrent AF episodes compared to those who avoided coffee. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that coffee consumption exacerbates heart rhythm disorders, prompting a reevaluation of medical advice regarding caffeine intake for AF patients.
“Doctors have traditionally recommended that patients with AF limit their coffee consumption,” Professor Wong noted. “This trial suggests that coffee is not only safe but may also provide protective benefits.”
The researchers identified several plausible explanations for the observed benefits. Professor Gregory Marcus, a senior author and a cardiologist at UCSF, pointed out that coffee consumption may enhance physical activity levels—a known factor in reducing AF risk. Additionally, caffeine acts as a diuretic, potentially lowering blood pressure, which could also mitigate AF episodes. Furthermore, various compounds found in coffee may possess anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to heart health.
AF affects approximately one in three individuals during their lifetime, impacting around 500,000 Australians and more than 10 million Americans. This condition disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, increasing the risk of blood clots and strokes. As the prevalence of AF continues to rise, particularly among older populations, there is a pressing need for effective strategies to manage and reduce its impact.
The findings of this study provide crucial insights into the relationship between coffee consumption and AF, suggesting a need for revised guidelines in clinical practice. Professor Marcus emphasized the importance of these results, stating, “Our study offers clarity on the effects of caffeinated coffee for AF patients and should influence the medical advice we provide.”
In Australia, coffee remains the most popular caffeinated beverage, with a recent survey revealing that 75 percent of Australians consume coffee daily. Given the findings, Professor Wong indicated that patients with AF can continue to enjoy their coffee with confidence. He also suggested that it might be worthwhile for individuals with AF who do not currently consume coffee to consider incorporating it into their diets.
This research has been published in The Journal of the American Medical Association and has received support from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Hospital Research Foundation, and The Heart Foundation.
The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are set to merge, forming a new major university—Adelaide University—by January 2026. This partnership aims to enhance research capabilities and provide innovative education to students.
As new research sheds light on the health benefits of coffee, it opens doors for further investigation into dietary choices that can support heart health, particularly for those at risk of or living with atrial fibrillation.
