The DECAF randomized clinical trial found that caffeinated coffee consumption (averaging 1 cup per day) was associated with a 39% lower hazard of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter recurrence compared to complete caffeine abstinence.
The study enrolled 200 patients following successful electrical cardioversion, challenging the long-standing clinical dogma that caffeine is a proarrhythmic trigger.
The primary endpoint of clinically detected recurrence occurred in 47% of the coffee consumption group versus 64% of the abstinence group (HR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42-0.89; P = .01).
Safety data indicated no significant difference in adverse events between those who consumed coffee and those who abstained.
Introduction: Re-evaluating the Caffeine-Arrhythmia Link
