Coffee and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Most hospitals and cardiac rehabilitation facilities provide decaffeinated coffee to cardiac patients in place of regular coffee. Recent studies, however, suggest that coffee drinking may decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Review of controlled studies shows that drinking regular coffee in moderation is safe. It may even lead to a decrease in atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, and it is safe in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. This is particularly true in patients who drink coffee regularly and in moderation. Energy drinks, however, that contain large doses of caffeine may indeed be harmful and should be avoided. The policies of serving only decaffeinated coffee in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities should be revisited.