Caffeine and Paroxysmal AF

[Jase999]

Hi folks,

I have the irregular rather than the high pulse type of AF. Does the general advice about avoiding caffeine only apply to those with the raised pulse rate AF?

I'm 6 weeks post Ablation and still on beta blockers but would love a normal cup of tea and don't like the decaff stuff very much.

I'm sure I've read something before regarding the myth of having to avoid caffeine if you have AF.

Your view/experience would be welcome.

Cheers

Jason

[Hidden]

I don't find it makes any difference to me. I drink normal tea and coffee but don't drink either very strong . Maybe if you were in the habit of drinking espresso and builders tea it might make difference

[doodle68]

Hi Jason have you previously had problems with caffeine in relation to AF .

I don't avoid Caffeine it hasn't that I am aware of been a trigger to AF for me. I only have 2 cups a day of Kenyan coffee which is quite mild anyway. I have given up wine but would struggle with not drinking coffee.

[BobD Volunteer]

I've been drinking PG Tips De caff and never notice anything different.

[Finvola]

Hi Jason. As caffeine is a stimulant, it may cause palpitations in some people - especially if drunk in quantities. The trick is to find what suits you and doesn't interfere with your heart's rhythm.

I drink one strong ground coffee in the morning and decaff tea for the rest of the day - seems to work OK for me.

[777777]

I drink 3 cups of coffee a day and I get a afib attack every 8 days and it lasts for 2 days but I don't think anything triggers it, it justs happens.

[Mejulie69]

Research has shown that caffeine plays no part in AF, but I completely disagree. It messes my heart up big time. It's a very personal thing though, so experiment for yourself. Start low and build up.

[nikonBlue in reply to Mejulie69]

hi, I found that caffeine really does effect my PAF and when given a 'normal' coffee recently by mistake, I went into an episode which lasted hours. Not worth it as the coffee I drink tastes no different from the 'real mcCoy'.

I even buy decaf pods for making my lovely lattes!!

Am writing this having been in an 'episode' since 7am this morning......time for an extra Flecainide methinks!

stay well everyone

Blue

[expences]

Some people lose the ability to metabolize caffeine as they age and it can have a demonstrable effect on the heart. I get a very quick reaction, with tachycardia and high BP. I have also had reactions with some herbal teas such now Ijust drink hot water with a bit of lemon juice, quite nice.

I have only had one episode of AF , 2 and a half years ago and my cardio has concluded it was caused by caffeine.

[jondeanp]

My one thing that I consciously try to avoid since being diagnosed with AF is caffeine.

If you drink normal English tea, then try Yorkshire Tea (decaf version). I can't taste any difference.

I'm currently drinking Roobois (I think that's how it's spelt). I drink it with no milk. It's like a posh treat as it's a bit expensive

If I'm out and about and I can't get a decaffeinated tea, I don't panic and will still have it as a one off

Ask yourself why you "need" the caffeine. I don't want to sound like I'm preaching cos I'm not. I'm still drinking alcohol cos I enjoy it.

[starry-eyes]

Hi Jason

I'm ok with ordinary tea but don't like it strong. I have much more trouble with sugar which sets my heart racing.

[Chris147]

I haven't had caffeine since my diagnosis 4 years ago. Mistaking lynda bought what I thought was peppermint tea and after 3 cups not on the same day I had palpitations. I didn't know at that time but my partner who was making me a cup of tea and pointed out it was Green Tea peppermint flavour and asked why I was having caffeine!!!!

[momist]

I love my daily coffee, very strong. It seems from reading this forum that everyone looks for triggers and find something different. Two coffees for me this morning and no effect so far. Big day yesterday with irregular food and some alcohol. Also no effect. Lucky me!

[Staxman]

Hi, the advice is general and should be thought of in the context of a population. Some people who never touch caffeine or alcohol for that matter get AF. It is not a 1 to 1 cause and effect relationship but a tendency - a probability.

I agree decaf tea is awful. I drink it sometimes but treat myself to full fat, and it doesn't seem to effect my AF. Then again I always use the mantra, " some is enough, plenty is too much."

Good luck.

[Jase999]

Thank you all. Very interesting and another case of listening to your own body as it seems that everyone is different.

Probably the same for my new found vice of 85% dark chocolate - limiting myself to one chunk after dinner as the caffeine and saturated fat may outweigh the recently touted benefits of lowering your blood pressure!

Now to test some non-alcoholic wine.. any recommendations?!

[Staxman in reply to Jase999]

Yes. Non alcoholic wine ? Don't - you want to live longer, not seem like you're living longer.

[RiderontheStorm]

It only matters if it happens to you. When I drink more than a few cups I get buzzed which affects the body naturally. Just cut back to what works for you.

[Paper65]

Yorkshire tea decaf is lovely

[CDreamer]

Before ablations I seemed to have a lot of triggers, including caffeine and alcohol - couldn't take a sip without a reaction. Now neither have no noticeable affect - and I love my morning coffee but now always drink with full fat milk.