Some media stories have indicated that caffeine can cause a specific, unusual heartbeat pattern (i.e., an arrhythmia), atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a type of arrhythmia that can cause chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. However, these media stories have been based on anecdotal case studies of individual people. When examining the data from observational research and large cohort studies, the current evidence shows that neither caffeine nor coffee is likely to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation.[1][2][3][4] However, people with heart problems should seek advice from their doctor concerning caffeine intake.
References
- ^Chayakrit Krittanawong, Anusith Tunhasiriwet, Zhen Wang, Ann M Farrell, Sakkarin Chirapongsathorn, HongJu Zhang, Takeshi Kitai, Davendra MehtaIs caffeine or coffee consumption a risk for new-onset atrial fibrillation? A systematic review and meta-analysisEur J Prev Cardiol.(2021 Oct 13)
- ^Abdelfattah R, Kamran H, Lazar J, Kassotis JDoes Caffeine Consumption Increase the Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation?Cardiology.(2018)
- ^Cheng M, Hu Z, Lu X, Huang J, Gu DCaffeine intake and atrial fibrillation incidence: dose response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.Can J Cardiol.(2014-Apr)
- ^Caldeira D, Martins C, Alves LB, Pereira H, Ferreira JJ, Costa JCaffeine does not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Heart.(2013-Oct)