Khaberni - Contrary to what doctors usually warn heart patients about, a new study indicates that daily coffee consumption helps in preventing a common cardiac disorder.
The disorder concerned is known as "atrial fibrillation," which can lead to stroke or heart failure in severe cases.
In a joint study between the University of California in San Francisco and the University of Adelaide in Australia, it was found that drinking one cup of caffeinated coffee daily reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation attacks by 39%.
The study results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on November 9.
Professor Gregory Marcus, a specialist in cardiac electrophysiology at the University of California, says: "Coffee increases physical activity, which helps reduce disturbances in heart rhythm. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which may lower blood pressure and consequently reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. This is in addition to other compounds in coffee that have anti-inflammatory properties."
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, diagnosed in more than 10 million people in the United States, with projections that one in three people will be affected in the future due to increased obesity rates and aging.
This study is the first randomized clinical trial to explore the relationship between consuming caffeinated coffee and the risk of atrial fibrillation.
The study included 200 patients suffering from atrial fibrillation or a similar disorder known as atrial flutter, all of whom were preparing to undergo an electric shock to normalize heart rhythm. Half of the participants were asked to drink a cup of coffee or a shot of espresso daily, while the other half abstained from any caffeine-containing products for six months.
The results showed that the coffee group was 39% less likely to experience atrial fibrillation attacks compared to the other group. The researchers believe that coffee has a positive dual effect, as it not only reduces inflammation but may also encourage people to reduce their consumption of unhealthy drinks.
Co-researcher Christopher Wong from the University of Adelaide said: "The results were astonishing. Doctors have long advised atrial fibrillation patients to reduce coffee, but this study suggests not only is it safe, but it might also be preventative."
