A new study ruthlessly challenges everything we thought we knew about coffee’s effects on the heart

For years, coffee has been seen as a potential trigger for heart issues—but what if that assumption is wrong? A new clinical trial titled “Does Cutting Coffee Prevent Fibrillation?” is turning heads in the cardiology world.

The study, which followed 200 patients with heart arrhythmias, found that those who drank coffee daily were significantly less likely to experience a recurrence than those who avoided it altogether.

The study at a glance

Published in the Journal of the American Media Association, the research arrives at a critical time: more than 10 million Americans are currently living with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that can lead to heart failure, blood clots, and stroke.

Here’s how the trial unfolded:

The results? Coffee drinkers had a 17% lower chance of experiencing an arrhythmia and, on average, went longer before their first episode during the study.

Expert reactions

Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, told NBC News that the findings suggest “just how protective caffeinated coffee may be in preventing atrial fibrillation.”

Dr. Marcus added: “Coffee increases physical activity which is known to reduce atrial fibrillation. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which could potentially reduce blood pressure and in turn lessen A-Fib risk. Several other ingredients in coffee also have anti-inflammatory properties that could have positive effects.”

Still, the study isn’t without its caveats. Researchers didn’t account for other sources of caffeine—like tea or energy drinks—or track participants’ exercise habits and overall diet, which could influence heart health.

Dr. Johanna Contreras, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, also weighed in. Speaking to NBC News, she said that based on the study, people with AFib can likely enjoy coffee in moderation. However, she stopped short of endorsing coffee as a protective agent.

Bottom line

While more research is needed, this study adds to a growing body of evidence that coffee—long seen as a cardiac villain—might actually be a heart-friendly habit when consumed in moderation. So the next time you reach for that morning cup, your heart might just thank you.

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