Coffee has always been forbidden to these people, but according to this cardiologist, it may actually be "protective."
Coffee is one of the French's favorite drinks: around 80% of them drink it. Yet, it is the victim of many misconceptions about its health effects. One of these is particularly persistent: the idea that people with heart problems should avoid drinking it. However, numerous studies have actually linked coffee consumption to heart health benefits.
One study, recently published in the prestigious Journal of the American Heart Association , challenged the popular belief that coffee contributes to heart rhythm disorders. To refute this theory, American and Australian researchers conducted a study of 200 people suffering from atrial fibrillation, the most common form of heart rhythm disorder. This is the first time a randomized controlled trial of this type has been conducted on the subject. For six months, half of the participants drank a cup of coffee every day, while the other half drank none at all.
Coffee drinkers were 39% less likely to experience an episode of irregular heartbeat compared to those who avoided all sources of caffeine, according to the researchers. "The results are astonishing. Doctors have always advised patients with AF (atrial fibrillation) to limit their coffee consumption, but this trial suggests that coffee is not only safe, it is probably protective," said Dr. Christopher X. Wong, one of the study's authors. Other observational studies had already shown a neutral, or even beneficial, association between coffee consumption and AF, according to the researchers.
According to Dr. Gregory M. Marcus, lead author of the study, it would therefore be "reasonable for healthcare professionals to allow their patients with AF to experiment with naturally caffeinated beverages they enjoy, such as tea or coffee." However, the results of this study do not guarantee the same effects for all patients: "Some people may still find that caffeine or caffeinated coffee triggers or worsens their symptoms," cautions Dr. Marcus.
The researchers also point out that the study's results "do not necessarily apply to those who consume larger quantities of coffee or other caffeinated beverages." It is generally recommended that healthy adults consume no more than four cups of coffee per day.
Beyond the risk of heart rhythm disturbances, "numerous studies show that coffee consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, by 15%," Dr. Jimmy Mohammed explained on RTL radio. However, people with heart rhythm disorders should still discuss this with a healthcare professional before consuming coffee.
L'Internaute
