Published on Jan 20, 2026 | 1:44 PM
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A surprising new study has gained attention for reporting that one cup of coffee a day may be associated with a ~39% lower risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AFib). For years, people with AFib were told to avoid caffeine entirely — but newer evidence is painting a more nuanced picture.
This doesn’t mean coffee is a treatment for AFib. But it does highlight how the relationship between caffeine and heart rhythm is more complex than once believed.
Let’s break down what this research means — and what it doesn’t mean.
Traditionally, caffeine was assumed to trigger palpitations. Yet population studies show that habitual, moderate coffee intake is not associated with increased AFib episodes — and may even be protective.
Possible explanations include:
Coffee contains antioxidants that may reduce low-grade inflammation, a known factor in AFib recurrence.
Regular coffee consumption has been linked to lower risks of diabetes and obesity — two major drivers of AFib.
Habitual caffeine drinkers often develop a more stable autonomic nervous system response compared to people who consume caffeine irregularly.
Moderate coffee intake is associated with lower risks of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality in several studies.
Even though the study shows a correlation, it’s not a universal rule. People vary widely in their caffeine sensitivity.
Coffee may still trigger symptoms in those who experience:
fluttering or skipped beats with caffeine
anxiety-related palpitations
poor sleep, which worsens AFib
very high daily caffeine intake
The key is your individual response.
The study showed an association, not proof of causation.
People who drank ~1 cup per day had:
fewer symptomatic AFib recurrences
better rhythm stability
lower markers of systemic inflammation
But:
Coffee is not a substitute for AFib medications.
The benefit is seen with consistent, moderate intake, not excess caffeine.
These findings must be interpreted cautiously — especially in high-risk patients.
Most cardiology guidelines define moderate intake as:
1–2 cups per day (about 100–200 mg caffeine)
This range is generally well tolerated and not associated with harmful effects in most people with stable AFib.
Stop or reduce caffeine if you notice:
racing heart after coffee
irregular heartbeats
anxiety or restlessness
nighttime palpitations
worsened insomnia
Your body’s response is more important than the study’s averages.
If you have AFib — or think you might — CallOnDoc can help by:
evaluating symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort
reviewing your medications
guiding lifestyle strategies that support heart rhythm
determining if caffeine is safe for you
offering follow-up care for managing chronic AFib
AFib management is not one-size-fits-all — and something as simple as a cup of coffee can affect your rhythm differently than someone else’s.
Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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