I was diagnosed with PAF about 3-4 years ago and at the time the Consultant Cardiologist suggested that I switch to decaffeinated tea/coffee etc. This I did (rather reluctantly at the time as I do like my cappuccinos! i). At the same time I decided not to drink any alcohol (the most I would drink is a glass of wine when out with friends occasionally), and so far have not had any food or beverage containing caffeine. However, I am wondering if perhaps I have been too cautious and would love to have a "proper cup of coffee". Has anyone introduced caffeine after a long period of abstinence? And if so, would it cause my PAF to re-surface quickly,(which does not seem to bother me too much these days) .
Would appreciate if anyone else has any ideas?
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I guess the safe answer is no but at the first AFA Patients Day meeting I attended back in 2014, one of the speakers said that in his opinion, it wasn’t particularly beneficial to change to decaf tea or coffee. The gasps of disbelief from the audience was audible! Personally, I have decaf generally but if it’s not available, then I will have normal coffee and so far, it hasn’t made any difference. It’s obviously a personal decision and most here would say, why take the risk and I’m inclined to agree, after all, it is a stimulant! Alcohol in moderation is also deemed to be OK but moderation is subject to definition. It has to be your decision…….
There is no such thing as totally decaf anything, just caffeine reduced, same as with most "alcohol free" drinks. I have been drinking de caf tea for about 15 years and can't tell the difference.
I think it is a personal choice but there is risk in everything we do.
Hi BobD. Your reply is much appreciated. I am not a drinker, but thought I would ask anyway. As far as tea and coffee are concerned, I am used to my decaf tea now and prefer it, but still can't really appreciate decaf coffee, but will probably put up with it - or if I feel adventurous one day, may chance an ordinary one.
I was out with a friend last week, and she ordered a coffee for me before I got there. It wasn’t decaf, but I thought it wouldn’t matter for once. I was wrong! My heart felt as if it was jumping out my chest on the bus home, and I felt panicky and uncomfortable. Possibly won’t affect everyone like that, but certainly did me.
Now when I sometimes have a caffeinated coffee - I came off caffeine years ago because of bladder problems before I even had AF. I get headaches with fuzziness and feel sick I suppose if I really wanted to I could get back onto the caffeinated coffee and tea but I have found some good coffees and teas to drink - and no one who visits us can tell the difference so I wouldn't bother. The one thing I have found that although Costa is our favourite coffee shop their decaff doesn't taste as good as either Cafe Nero or Starbucks. As bob says nothing is Caffeine free just lower in caffeine so even with decaffeinated you are taking in some caffeine. Chocolate also has caffeine - shame eh?
Thank you Desanthony for your reply. My go to coffee shop is Costa as it is local, but Cafe Nero's decaf is the best of all. Don't like Starbucks, and luckily there isn't one near me but everyone has a preference. As far as chocolate is concerned, I only eat dark chocolate, and then it's only a couple of squares a day if that. Good aren't I?
Oh well done! I don't like Starbucks normally but their decaff is OK and better than Costa. We don't have one close and we like the managers of our two local Costa's so carry on going there anyway and one is right next to the Cinema so we go there whilst waiting to go in. will be visiting soon to see the new James Bond. Will not be going to the first showing at just past mid night tonight!
I stayed off coffee and any caffeine for about 2 years, until I spoke with nutritionists and coffee experts on what and how to drink coffee without getting problems. I now have no problem with coffee or chocolate without sugar ie: dark chocolate, in moderation and as long as it’s good quality and not ultra processed and not stewed for hours. I have one cup/day and never after noon and always take with full fat milk - you need fat in coffee. I avoid dried coffee and anything other than those from a machine which pushes water through the grinds under pressure. I avoid decaff in all circumstances - it means it’s been processed and that’s worse than anything.
It’s rarely the caffeine itself and more likely to be sugar or chemicals during processing that causes the difficulty. The coffee bean has lots of antioxidants so treated gently can be very beneficial for health in small quantities.
My morning coffee is one thing that is sacred now in my routine I am not going to forgo and woe betide anyone who tells me I ‘should’. It gets me going and makes me happy and that has to be good ‘cos little else does these days!
Like everything else in life - some people have no problem whilst others are more sensitive.
Thanks for your helpful information CDreamer. Obviously it is up to me to make that decision as to whether to "chance" having caffeine again, so I will take it easy and perhaps in the future see what happens - if anything!
I stopped coffee and decaff but do have green tea in the morning. A 'coffee' after lunch and early supper is now orzocoffee.co.uk much better than the others on the market IMHO. I think most of the time a small real coffee in the morning will not be a problem for most people (and can actually be good) but if there are lots of other trigger issues swirling around e.g. stress it could tip you into AF.
Hi secondtry. Your information was helpful. Never heard of "orzocoffee" but I am wondering if it is made from a type of barley, which I think is orzo (used in Italian cooking). I will only try the ordinary coffee when I have a relaxing day (and who knows when that will be!)
Unless you are a coffee connoisseur , I find that Jacobs decaf coffee is super, even my friend , who was brought up with coffee (he father managed a coffee plantation in East Africa) finds it more than acceptable. I have bought those boxes of little packets of decaf cappuccino (Nestles, I think), and find them enjoyable - but I am not an expert at all. I don't drink tea at all as I dislike it! I'm such a peasant, that on the few occasions I've had pure percolated unadulterated coffee, I cant tell the difference !
Hi pusillanimious, thanks for your interesting reply. Never heard of Jacobs decaf coffee, in fact people are recommending different brands of decaf coffee that I have not heard of before. I do have a Nestle coffee machine and use their decaffeinated "cafe au lait" pods, which is a good substitute for my cappucino - although I would really love the real thing occasionally.
I’m the same. AF in November 2020 and no coffee or alcohol since. I have decided I’ll try a glass of wine this Christmas when staying with friends! I did have coffee for several days after my AF before I saw my cardiologist with no problems. She just said not too much of either alcohol or coffee. Illy decaf is very good.
This is just to satisfy my curiosity now 🤔 but how many of the guys and girls who’ve commented on this thread have had multiple ablations?
Just to answer the thread also. I gave up coffee and most sugar not long after being diagnosed with af and I’ve been alcohol free for 3/4 years due to other issues. I was told was Best by EP & cardio and everything I’ve read since then has backed this up. I want to give myself the best possible chance to get rid of it for good so personally I really do not see the point in risking it for a drink. Be it caffeine or alcohol. If you’ve got af and are on meds then your already going to feel rather lethargic so the comedown of caffeine is just going to make you feel worse anyway or atleast does for me.
Probably not a popular opinion 🤣 but I just do not see the point myself. It’s just a drink and i can personally go without.
P.s a side note on alcohol consumption. Watching people drinking is bloody hilarious 🤣 and also a bit of a wake up call. When your stone cold sober and you see how some people behave even after a couple of drinks it does reinforce the fact that you’ve made the right decision. Also I can do without the hang overs 🤣
I think you highlight the difference - coffee is a lot more than just a drink for me. I had 2 ablations & like you thought ‘I won’t risk it’. - didn’t make slightest difference - Af returned at I changed back to enjoying my brew.
Only proviso is never afternoon as it does interfere with my sleep.
Out of interest why is it more than just a drink for you and did you stop drinking all caffeine from first ablation until long after 2nd? Not trying to be a dick I am just curious if it actually makes a difference or not. It won’t make me drink again either way as I don’t personally feel any need for it at all.
Having given up so many things iI enjoy & I missed my rebellious side kicked in. My morning coffee gives me pleasure - the ritual of making it, setting time aside to just sit & be, the taste & it gives me a rush of energy. You got to enjoy life.
I stopped originally because people said I should - except my EP who said neither caffeine nor alcohol in moderation would make any difference - the only regrets I have had in my life have been following what others say rather than follow my own inner voice. Trouble is that when AF is so symptomatic you I’ll do anything to avoid it so try weird & wonderful things.
To be honest I can’t remember for how long I stopped - probably from before ablation because I thought it might have been a trigger for AF - it wasn’t. I think I started drinking coffee a few months after ablation when in Spain - you can’t really exist there without drinking coffee.
The only thing I haven’t tried that I used to enjoy is whiskey. I enjoy an occasional beer, glass of white wine or Champagne - which never affected me whereas red wine & spirits did.
Bread, cakes & biscuits, sugary drinks such as Colas & any artificial sweetener were far more problematic for me.
I’m very much of the opinion that your inner voice is no more than a mixture of things that your brain has seen, heard or read from multiple sources, mainly (or entirely) other people anyway personally but that’s a whole other topic we’d be going into 🤣
I do get where your coming from but the way I see it is it’s just a drink. Or it’s just food. Nothing more than fuel for me to do things that I love. I do enjoy my food 100%. But if there’s even a 5% chance that cutting out the crap will have a beneficial impact on my life and allow me to do the things that I feel really make life worth living then I’m more than prepared to get rid of each and every one of them.
Just my opinion and I do get why everyone can’t be like that 👍
Caffeine can be a trigger for some oeople. It was never a trigger for me. However something else in coffee was. I didn't give up caffeine but I did coffee in all forms 14 years ago.
I nave read that there's no evidence that a moderate amount of caffeine causes arrhythmias except in a very small number of people who are especially sensitive to it.
White tea contains around one third of the caffeinenif black tea and is a delicious drink. Why not initially try a single cup of coffee or tea and see how you get on?
Not sure I understand the question about how long I’ve had AF. However, until my ablation three weeks ago I’d had AF addict topics for several years. I’m not advocating drinking coffee or alcohol. At the moment I’m alcohol and caffeine free. I drink decaffeinated coffee. What I am saying is that over the years prior to the ablation I stopped alcohol and allsorts of other items that I’ve been told might affect me.None of them made the slightest difference.
We often talk about quality of life and risk. I wanted my ablation to give me some quality of life back. I have no intention of sitting in a “darkened room” and frightened to live my life.
For some people the pleasures of smoking, coffee and alcohol are important. I’ve noticed many of the members on this forum are keen sports people. Whilst I try to keep fit I wouldn’t dream of running, cycling or extreme sports. Everyone to their own
That’s a rather in depth answer to a relatively simple question kalgs but thanks none the less 🤣
So you’ve had AF for a few years then? How long did you stop drinking caffeine for before you decided it wasn’t making a difference? You mention decaffeinated coffee but as others have mentioned this isn’t caffeine free.
I’m regards to the quality of life comment I suppose it all comes down to what you consider gives your life quality. If the answer to that is caffeine, booze and fags then that’s all good. I’m not here to tell anyone how to live their life and as you said each to their own.
All I want is too be able to live a normal healthy life and be able to work without feeling shattered, exercise properly with no worry’s of triggering my heart and most importantly be able to spend quality time with my kids without feeling exhausted. If that means giving up coffee, booze and junk food then I have absolutely zero problem doing it, without giving it even a second thought.
I’m not 100% sure that giving up caffeine is going to make a difference but from what I’ve read, living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep af at bay after an ablation so I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
I get what I’m saying right. I’m not advocating caffeine or alcohol. In fact I don’t drink alcohol or caffeine. What I am saying is when I stopped drinking alcohol and caffeine it made no difference to my symptoms or the frequency of my AF or ectopic‘s. I totally understand what you are saying I wanted exactly the same. I have four children and a very active life. I thought that giving up some of my pleasures would help reduce my symptoms. It did not. I’m hopeful that the ablation I had three weeks ago is the route out of this.
Over the years I visited several cardiologist. On many occasions I’ve been given differing advice about controlling the symptoms of AF and for me the ectopics. For those people that can find the triggers it must be
wonderful. In my case I tried everything. Not just stopping alcohol and caffeine but going on all sorts of different diets and exercise regimes. None of it worked.
Yes we are . 2 years plus . Tried everything I could fine . That’s what encouraged me to accept an ablation. One I was first diagnosed my GP said it would be impossible to find “ triggers” he was right . I’m not saying that stress and lack of sleep didn’t make it worse but I never found what started the episodes .
No it’s certainly extremely difficult to find triggers. I don’t think there’s much in this world that is outright impossible though to be honest. Humanity will get to the bottom of it at some point it’s just a matter of time 👍
As triggers are very much an individual thing you must decide for yourself either to abstain or to experiment. I can drink good quality ground decaf coffee from my cafetiere (black, no sugar - I like the taste of coffee, no need to add anything to change the taste!) without causing arrythmia.
Strangely, instant decaf coffee sets my heart off terribly - far more than normal coffee!
What the difference is I don't know, but I wouldn't have known the way they affect me if I hadn't tried them all.
Hi Mugsy15. It's so interesting to get so many different answers and suggestions to my question. I didn't realise it would generate so much interest. At least we all like a decent cup of tea or coffee! I think I will try mixing decaf instant with a few granules of ordinary instant coffe and see what happens. I could always experiment and just add more ordinary coffee gradually - perhaps that might be a way of easing into ordinary coffee, although I must admit it does sound a bit odd. Just an idea
Everyone is different, I initially gave up caffeine, but like you love my coffee and the kick from the caffeine, and I can drink 3 cups a day, 2 with breakfast, but anymore than that and I get palpitations.You'll have to experiment and see.
Likewise I can drink small amount of alcohol with no ill effects.
Believe it or not, my biggest trigger is sugar, and I do have a sweet tooth unfortunately.
I often get AF after eating chocolate, sweets or cake, but I still eat it, silly me. 🤪
DGET, thanks for your perspective on my query. I shall gradually try to re-introduce ordinary coffee into my life and see what happens. I'm quite happy with my decaf tea. In fact I now prefer it have tried various makes but always come back to Lidl decaffeinated tea (not cos of the price but it makes a really strong cup of tea!)
I was on decaf from 2012 to reduce blood pressure. I got AF in 2019. Decided to go for caafeinated drinks again ss BP improved with weight loss. So I bought a very nice machine and now drink a few espressos a day using arabica beans. Tastes great and no ill effects. I also drink wine and whisky. This is only my personal experiencebut you could try a slow reintroduction. 😀
Hi betsgirl only from my own experience I tried the decaff route and it never made a difference to my paf that I could honestly tell I think I read on here quite awhile ago someone stating that its not the caffeine but the coffee itself I've never totally stopped coffee so I can't say if this is beneficial itself one thing I can say for sure is that a few drinks of alcohol definately kicks me off also I done keto diet for awhile last year to lose a stone which I did and it provided me with the longest gap between episodes that I've had in maybe 12-15 years
When I was diagnosed with PAF two years ago, I asked the Doctor what can I do to help. He said cut out caffeine and go easy on alcohol, which I duly did. Still got PAF sometimes after a glass of wine, sometimes when not having had any alcohol at all. I had an ablation in March and the EP said “in his opinion backed by recent research caffeinated coffee is not a problem so have a cup of ‘proper’ coffee”, he also suggested a glass of wine wine is no problem, just enjoy. I have found that earlier in the summer I did go into AF shortly after a caffeinated filter coffee, but other times I can have a caffeinated coffee or two with no problem whatsoever. I do still stick to decaffeinated coffee the majority of the time. I have a period of about 10 days each month I am susceptible to AF the rest of the month I have no problem whatever I eat or drink (in moderation), currently on waiting list for second ablation.I hope you find you can enjoy an occasional ‘proper’ cup of coffee with no problem.
I've read articles about processed coffee having too many chemicals. I'm sensitive to caffeine myself. Even the decaf. Like BobD says decaf is still caffeinated. I've also read that good organic coffee is better. Free of so many chemicals and also pesticides that we don't think about. The only drawback is that organic coffee is a little pricey. That could matter if you wanted to try it or not.
I gave up caffeine and alcohol for a year when I developed PAF. For the last 6 months I have drank one full caffeine coffee with no effect and also drink alcohol in limited moderation. I have found that Wine is a trigger, so I avoid this.
I feel it’s more to do with feeling in a panic if you're told “it will set you off again”.
You could try half decaf and half caffeine, see how you go. I also drink 2 cups of full caffeine tea each day. Just try one cup a day and relax!
Don’t let Afib rule your favourite little pleasures!
I am experimenting regular coffee now. After 9 months of only drinking decaffeinated coffee, i have added an ounce of caffeinated coffee gradually. So far I am okay. Everything should be done in moderation so I would suggest you don't go straight to caffeinated at one time.
I’m in the exact same situation as you and recently switched back to regular coffee and I’ve had no episodes. I drink it with just a dash of soy milk. Giving up coffee was heartbreaking for me so I had to see if I could handle it and so far everything has been great.
Just to say thank you to everyone who replied to my post. I have tried to reply to all personally, but if I have left anyone out I apologise. It's great to know that there so many kind, caring people out there and also that the wealth of knowledge and encouragement is passed on to others each time someone has a problem. Many thanks to all again. 😊
Twice Costa has given me normal coffee in error and within half an hour, my heart was bouncing all over the place. I double check now when I'm in there.
Trouble is AF is different to everyone so no standard answer is possible. When I got AF I gave up caffeine and alcohol. I still got AF . I restarted both after 3 or 4 months. I went longest on decaf ground coffee ( not instant) as this was the least disgusting. Drinking either caffeine or alcohol did not not trigger an episode. I did still get Afib but not necessarily when I drank either caffeine or alcohol. In fact 3 out of my first 5 AFib attacks were on a Thursday and another on Friday and I did not drink alcohol in the week anyway. I never found any triggers but suspect long term stress may have been involved.
However some people may well be triggered by either caffeine or alcohol, or both so all you can do is experiment . I stopped both again before my ablation , but now I drink regular tea and coffee all the time.( and I drink alcohol but not all the time - honest!).
Personally I suspect a lot of the medics concerns have a root in people who go to excess. Drinking lots of energy drinks which are generally high in caffeine ( and often artificial sweeteners which can also be a trigger) or even worse dosing in vodka AND red bull for hours in night clubs!
One cappuccino a day is hardly comparable.
Suggest you have one and see what happens . Start slowly and see if it is a trigger or your afib gets worse.
Hi Bets, we are all different. I switched to decaf tea which only has around 2 mg of caffeine as compared to approx 40 to 60 mg in regular tea. I love my tea but only allow myself 2 weak cups early morning and the rest decaf but because I take my tea black I can taste the difference. Coffee contains more caffeine but I enjoy decaf coffee. My arrythmia are brought on by vagus nerve but also caffeine. I also sleep a lot better now. Am too scared to try going back to caffeine all day. But it's up to you
Hi Lbeat795, as you so rightly say, we are all different. I have this morning added a few granules of ordinary coffee to my regular decaf "cafe au lait" coffee pod and will, if I am ok, add a few more granules each day and see what happens. Hopefully nothing! I don't find any particular foods or drinks cause me to have an AF episode, in fact so far I have been reasonably lucky in that I mostly experience "flutters". I do know that stress can cause this but also as a result of having polymyalgia and temporal arteritis at the same time, I was taking steroids (prednisolone) for almost 5 years and my Cardiologist said that this could have caused my PAF.
Hi again, everyone. Just to say again, thanks so much for everyone's advice and ideas. At the end of the day it's really up to me to decide what to do and I had no idea that just an ordinary "cuppa" would generate so much interest 😮. It shows just how much we value that special time of the day when we can either relax at home with a drink (non alcoholic I mean!) or spend time with friends in a coffee shop - or having a cup of tea with a hobnob (which seems to be the nation's favourite biscuit☕🍪). With a cup of decaffeinated coffee (for now), I'll just say "Cheers!!" to you all,. Good health everyone 😉.
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Ectopics & Caffeine
