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coffee and afib

Tomred profile image
85 Replies

hi everyone, has anyone stopped drinking coffee and or tea caffienated or decaff and hand on jumpy heart really noticed a profound difference to their afib.

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Tomred profile image
Tomred
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85 Replies
sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Yes I have but try not to drink too much decaf either or eat chocolate especially dark.

Wenzufarrugia1966 profile image
Wenzufarrugia1966 in reply to sassy59

Hello, me too i had to cut on tea but coffee was okay in fact i had to do two cardio versions because my afib

NannyNooNoo profile image
NannyNooNoo

on EP advice, my hubby stopped all coffee, tea, alcohol (even in food, eg red wine gravy) and chocolate, following 2 ablations. He does have occasional white chocolate (doesn’t contain caffeine); fingers crossed, he’s remaining AF free

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

If I have coffee when out (never at home) it makes my heart race even though I no lomger have AF.

12Potter profile image
12Potter in reply to BobD

same for me too! Best avoided but so hard to!!

Jalia profile image
Jalia

Makes no difference to me, coffee, no coffee, decaff or not! I never drink it strong though .

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

1 caffeinated instant coffee am. Don't drink ground coffee unless decaff and tend to stick to tea. Decaff tea after 2 "full fat" on rising. Steer clear of chocolate mostly but not always.

Gumbie_Cat profile image
Gumbie_Cat

I don’t think it makes much difference to me - although I remember times before I was diagnosed when I felt quite jittery after two proper coffees.

I have one cup of decaf coffee a day - discovered that that doesn’t affect my digestive system badly, but gave up caffeinated coffee which did.

I drink my tea very weak anyway, but just have one caffeinated cup a day now, in the mornings. That tiny bit does seem to help - not a morning person…

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves

I had bad ectopics for years before AF, and still do. I quit caffeinated coffee and it made no difference to my ectopics. Obviously didn’t prevent me from developing AF either. But it helps some people so give it a go and see if it helps you. I’ve had the occasional caffeinated coffee when I’m out, and the only impact was on my sleep and it wasn’t that late either, about 3pm, but I’ve obviously lost whatever tolerance I had before. I do hate being such a sensitive wimp, but there you go…

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Depends upon the coffee, how it is made and the quality. Any processed coffee is a NO for me but a (one) shot of good quality barista style coffee I find really helpful for all sorts of reasons. I also have a couple of squares of dark chocolate a day which I really enjoy. What I can’t take is sugar or cow’s milk in either - their effect is far more devastating than caffeine.

Pedroboy profile image
Pedroboy in reply to CDreamer

Fascinating about the cow's milk and sugar. I've been using skim milk 0.1% fat for many years now, but occasionally have a barista decaf with full cream milk with no seeming affects.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to Pedroboy

we just all react to different stimuli, no one fit all.

Hiya, back in the bad old days - food and food ingredients ( actually even some foods today eaten by accident) will trip me into AF, so far this year though no AF at all. However in recent years I've only had one or two events a year with no specific food trigger.

Drinks, hot or cold, alcohol or non alcohol, coffee or tea ......... whatever ...... no impact at all, never ever has had since diagnosed 13 years ago.

John

Weren profile image
Weren in reply to

What kinds of food would cause AFib?

in reply to Weren

It isn't the food per se it is what food ( and/or ingredients) does to/or how it affects the Vagal (or Vagus) Nerve. This nerve acts like a communication super highway between the brain, the heart and the gut. But not exclusively those organs - suggest you Google Vagal Nerve Schematic diagram. So if you are predisposed to vagal nerve issues, which can also manifest itself in many ways including sleeping position (or an incorrect one). Generally though many foods can impact on my vagal nerve making it, inflamed or in some way dysfunctional which in turn will trigger my heart into chucking a wobbly leaving me in AF.

Such foods for me can be anything with gluten. wheat or oats. Pastries, grain bread, porridge, soft cheese, onion or traces thereof, lettuce, tomatoes, roast duck, turkey, pork with crackling, raspberries and the list goes on. Traces of food/ingredients can be as bad as the food itself. That' s my system I'm afraid. So I consulted a Nutritionist and she prescribed a course of Probiotics and a diet. Sorted, took a few years though.

John

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE in reply to

which probiotics worked for you?

12Potter profile image
12Potter in reply to GrannyE

I’m currently on Agulp on line. Only been 2 weeks but sorting tummy out nicely!

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE in reply to 12Potter

thx. When do you take them?

12Potter profile image
12Potter in reply to GrannyE

every morning before I eat anything

in reply to GrannyE

Hi GrannyE,

it was VSL#3 - 450 billion bacteria per sachet. I bought the 10 sachets per box.

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE in reply to

thx. They are quite expensive. Any side effects do you think?

in reply to GrannyE

Hi,

Yes they were. My Nutritionist at the time prescribed them for a limited period of time to settle down/cleanse my gut before launching me into a food plan, which started off going gluten free, then wheat free and finally oats free. She taught me how to add to my list of "Free Froms", which embraces a wider range of food stuff then I ever imagined, including vegetables. All this started in September 2011 and I worked at it over the ensuing years. The last 3 years have seen me have one to 3 or 4 events each year. Last year only 2 mild one and this year, so far, none at all.

For me its been a case of calm the gut, calm the vagal nerve all of which leads to a calm heart. I have had no invasive medical procedures, just medication.

My personal take on cost is ........... pay peanuts ........... get monkeys.

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE in reply to

You are right and I am so pleased for you. I have been gluten free, dairy free, and minimal sugar for years and I do take digestive enzymes and biomel as well as supplements.

in reply to GrannyE

Hi GrannyE,

Thank you. Actually, you reminded me. I have been added Salt free for some two decades, maybe a tad longer. I have been added Sugar free for years now, can't remember exactly, but over 7 years I'd say.

Would you mind telling me the digestive enzymes you take and what is biomel ? Please.

There are times ( without any logic - but then the gut doesn't need logic does it) I get an upset digestive system, usually because I have been careless with food intake and I need to settle the gut. I have resorted to similar stuff to settle and calm the gut. I find calming the gut is critical in dealing with the AF aspect.

John

Poochmom profile image
Poochmom in reply to Weren

for me it was tomatoes, brussel sprouts, anything with corn, and peanuts. I’m sure there were others but they don’t come to me right now.

Poochmom profile image
Poochmom in reply to Poochmom

it’s that ole vagus nerve thing. Those foods would trigger me every time.

Pedroboy profile image
Pedroboy

I ceased having caffeinated drinks ever since I was diagnosed. I can't say that it stopped me having irregular pulse rates, but (and it may also been due to a medication change) I have noticed that I don't seem to get so many discernible irregularities.

Jpot34 profile image
Jpot34

My father, two brothers, and I all have AFIB. We are all on meds for it. One brother quit all coffee and he says it helps. I drink two cups of caffeinated coffee a day and it doesn't bother me since I now take Flecainide. As stated many times, each person is different. It is a proven fact this nasty condition is hereditary!

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply to Jpot34

Yes, my father, myself and 4 sisters all have it. (father is dead - prostate cancer) I've got a list of genes that are involved in familial AF. None of us are seriously affected.

in reply to pusillanimous

In so far as our family records go my paternal Grandfather died from a series of strokes - not one, but a series of them over time back in 1964. ( Did AF exist then ?). Since then I have AF, my 2nd cousin ( the son of one of my Grandfathers brothers has AF and my daughter had AF diagnosed during both her pregnancies. Since she stopped breeding no more AF.

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply to

I'm quite sure it existed, but probably was not diagnosed so often - even today, particularly symptomless AF is usually diagnosed by chance, mine was ( an anti-biotic that did not suit me, prescribed for an infection caused my diagnosis) another sister had an over active thyroid - hence diagnosis). Only once after initial diagnosis have I been to the doctor or specialist and found to be in AF - then it was a routine check with the Cardiologist and he did a cardioversion whilst I was there.

OzJames profile image
OzJames

I drink Decaf coffee and weak white tea, one each a day, no probs. In the past after 2 or 3 normal coffees and then once ran up then stairs and went into AF. I then made decision to remove risk factor.

TopBiscuit profile image
TopBiscuit

No, I haven't stopped drinking either and I don't have a problem with them affecting my heart rate, though my HR is generally pretty low so that may be why.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

No - it's safe to drink as has been proven by several studies, some large. I gather a very few people are genuinely medically sensitive to caffeine and in those it's not advised, but otherwise, in moderation, enjoy a good brew!

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Steve

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply to Ppiman

Very true. There are genetic variations between people who can metabolise caffeine quickly (and doesn’t affect their sleep) and those who metabolise it slowly. Most people are somewhere in the middle in that respect. I lose tolerance if I eliminate it, which I have done, just to appease the health professionals who want to at least offer some kind of “advice” ie “I don’t know what the answer is, but you might just want to try…” I have no doubt it can affect some people quite dramatically and those are the ones who will see the benefit most. But AF isn’t caused by drinking coffee, so it won’t be cured by it either. I stick to decaf these days, and some evenings maybe I’ll treat myself to a cup of Barley Cup, because that’s what’s become of me now 🤣

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply to Autumn_Leaves

You write such enjoyable replies! Thank you.

Steve

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply to Ppiman

Thank you!

Dippee1970 profile image
Dippee1970

I gave up alcohol and caffeine and couldn’t stay in rhythm. I now have the occasional coffee and drink red wine from time to time with no major dramas .

Bluetonic profile image
Bluetonic

I stopped after being diagnosed 8 years ago.I had caffeine free tea and coffee for about 2 years but then went to Italy to visit a friend.

Can't go to Italy and not drink coffee. It made no difference so back on the caffeine and loving it

PaulDB profile image
PaulDB

Caffeine will make your heart race as will nicotine. I stopped both. Now I drink decaf coffee and vape on zero nicotine. That was in advice from my specialist and heart failure nurse

Fullofheart profile image
Fullofheart

I haven't taken caffeine for about 15 years. Still in AF but it stopped the unpleasant wobbles that a good coffee might cause. Still enjoy a decent decaff. Alcohol, in moderation, doesn't seem to affect me too much though I steer clear of it entirely after cardioversion or ablation. And I don't drink much at all these days anyway.

Suesouth profile image
Suesouth

since being diagnosed I only drink decaffeinated tea and coffee

Morzine profile image
Morzine

well I stopped it when I first got afib, decaf tea etc….cos it seemed everyone saud it was a trigger….but living in France you try and find decaf when out!!!! Hard enough to find a decent teabag , I now drink whatever is dished up and at home I just drink normal it’s made no diference.,,sue

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to Morzine

Tea bags are hard work here! I only drink tea on holiday when we stop for a morning break. We often don't eat the hotel breakfast as too full from the dinner the night before but my husband must have his huge cup of coffee in the morning -so I struggle with getting some tea out of the t bag. Luckily I have always liked weak tea!

Morzine profile image
Morzine in reply to Auriculaire

god it’s awful tea isn’t it ! So weak…..then you get hot milk even if u ask for cold! Up here all the cafes are now into Bio tea, it’s even weaker!!

I just drink whst ever comes now as I’ve had to give up being fusssy!!! Yes we never have brekky in hotels, indeed too full from dinner. I’ve a little collapsible electric kettle and tom like your hubby likes a morning coffee….he brings his machine!!

Ive just had a heart stress test on the bed with bicycle peddles at cardiologue …. I told her I was getting puffed walking in these mountains….she said she thought it was normal for my age and mountains …so hence she said do the test just to check…….anyway all is good. Everywhere uphill here….🥴

How are u auriculaire?

Sue

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to Morzine

I like the mountains but we haven't been to the Alps since 2007. We used to go to Embrun. I got altitude sickness when we went up to the top of Mt Blanc in the lift! I've got puffed walking up hills since I retired from dancing 10 years ago. I avoid it! I'm ok on the whole. My afib has settled down a bit - fingers crossed it stays that way. I was thinking about an ablation but a guy my husband used to play squash with has just had one at Bordeaux. He ended up with pericarditis afterwards . I don't fancy traipsing to Bordeaux either but maybe they don't do them at Limoges. I'm due to see my cardiologue this year as I haven't been since before my second hip op in 2021 - I'll ask but if the diminution of episodes continues I'm reluctant to rock the boat.

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE in reply to Auriculaire

i love the mountains and I always said that skiing was the thing I did best but no longer unfortunately. Altitude is not brilliant for the heart and nowadays I become puffed just walking uphill slowly so I can see that you gave up going high.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to GrannyE

I have never skied. Far too timid. We used to go to the Alps in summer as it's great motorbiking country. The trip up Mt Blanc was in early Sept after the 2003 heatwave. It was 27 ° at the bottom and -5° on the summit viewing platform. The mistake was in not acclimatising for a while when we got off the cable car and taking the lift straight away. Unfortunately there was a problem with the electricity and the lift packed up before we could go back down so we were longer on the top than we wanted to be! I felt awful - like I was going to pass out.

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE in reply to Auriculaire

Heights never used to bother me and I always felt well in the mountains but now I dare not risk it. You are right it is probably better to acclimatise. Lifts take you up rather quickly and the contrast between top and bottom is rather extreme. Such a shame for you not to have been able to enjoy it. They call it mountain sickness don’t they?

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to GrannyE

Well I did get to appreciate the fabulous views for the first 5mins! But even with our bike gear on it was very cold . I think if the lift had not thrown a wobbly and we had been able to go down earlier it wouldn't have been too bad as the sickness came on while we were waiting for it to be working again. When we got down to the bottom I was ok very quickly. I don't like cable cars anyway so it was the last time I went in one! We go regularly to the Auvergne as we only live 2 hours away but getting to the Alps or Pyrénées is harder now as being creaky means we cannot bike long hours anymore.

Ronnieboy profile image
Ronnieboy

Makes no differance to me, strong coffee decaf non decaf, and I demolished a bar of dark chocolate in 15 mins the other day...not a sniff of a problem.

Dave678 profile image
Dave678

Only decaf tea & coffee for me as well with chocolate each evening and an occasional glass of wine. No further AF for 3 months now so fingers crossed!

Shrek1974 profile image
Shrek1974

Hello Tomred,

I can honestly say that I don’t think it makes much difference to me at all, & I drink a lot of tea on 12hr shifts. Just incase, I switched to decaf 5 years ago as there’s some really nice ones out there now (Yorkshire decaf being my favourite). Occasionally, when work has run out of decaf I drink just as much normal tea & not noticed any change - & I’ve used my Kardia to check. Couldn’t comment about coffee as I don’t really like it, so never drink it. Chocolate, & I prefer dark also doesn’t appear to upset my heart, I seem to eat more of that than ever too (but still not a great deal) since I cut down my alcohol consumption. Initially I stopped drinking all alcohol & developed a craving for chocolate like I’ve never had before for some reason, I used to eat it quite rarely. I’m not sure this will be of much help to you, but that is how it’s been for me.

I would advise using a Kardia device or similar, just carefully trying what you fancy & be prepared to stop if you see too much change. This has worked well for me over time & I’ve found that only stress & viruses (pre Covid too) seem to affect me.

Best of luck. Stay strong 💪.

Steve

Singwell profile image
Singwell

Never drink caffeinated coffee now - makes me racy. Two cups of real tea in the morning for me and I seem to be OK on that. I do eat good quality dark chocolate in moderation

secondtry profile image
secondtry

Safer to have caffeine before 1pm. However I stopped the coffee completely and just have dark choc and green tea.

greyarmadillo profile image
greyarmadillo

I had Long Covid related permanent AF that was banished by a combination my second COVID vaccination (went to paroxysmal) and then completely after a cryoablation in 2021.

I found having permanent AF was the worst experience of my life and not one that I ever want to repeat. As a result I took the view that the surgeons and done their bit, now it was up to me to actively manage myself to avoid having to come back again.

I do not have caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. I know they have all been potential triggers for me in the past and don’t want to play Russian Roulette by having them again. As much as a I miss espresso, Guinness and Cadbury’s.

Is it worth a quick coffee if it brings back your AF? If you don’t mind, try it but as we all know just because it didn’t cause AF today, doesn’t mean it won’t tomorrow, especially as we age.

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo

When diagnosed with AFIB I went decaff, but still got Afib attacks. I had the odd proper coffee over the time and it never triggered an AFib event. Post ablation I went back to normal tea and coffee.

However I NEVER FOUND ANY " Triggers" for my AFib!

It just happened randomly.

Sleepyzz profile image
Sleepyzz

I was told to give up caffeine when first diagnosed and yes it makes a difference. If I accidentally have a coffee with caffeine it can affect my rhythm but also make me feel really awful for a few hours. I drink good quality decaf coffee made from beans bit instant and it tastes just as good without the issues. Also have to be careful with anything that has a high quantity of dark chocolate that is melted like hot chocolate or a rich dark chocolate dessert.

LouBrig profile image
LouBrig

I was diagnosed 6-years ago and on my EPs advice I dropped caffeine and alcohol (especially the red wine!). I also found dark chocolate was a culprit too.

WHJIII profile image
WHJIII

I'm sure I'm an outlier but I typically drink about 40 ounces of strong coffee a day. When an episode of afib kicks in I will avoid coffee until it stops. If the afib lasts more than a day and the discomfort gets to the point I'm willing to see what happens if I drink a cup of coffee, the afib stops within an hour. Although I don't need my watch to tell me I'm in afib I do verify it with my Apple watch and there is a 100% correlation with feeling it and the watch detecting it. I really hesitate to say that the coffee stops my afib but that seems the case and it has been consistent for the last 10 years. I also can drink strong coffee up until about 2 hours of bed time and still fall to sleep within a few minutes.

Dudtbin profile image
Dudtbin

Hi I drink coffee and wine with no I'll effects, so lucky as I do like a glass of wine! Only drink herbal tea anyway.

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45

When I had paroxysmal AF coffee, whether decaff of caff appeared to make AF worse. It wasn't the caffeine; it was the coffee. I gave up drinking coffee 16 years ago. I felt much better after I'd given it up. I have had permanent, though asymptomatic, AF for about six years. I drink tea, both caff and decaff as well as ginger and lemongrass, peppermint, and chai. I eat one bar of 85% dark chocolate each week and it doesn't affect my AF.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire

I don't think it has made much difference to my afib but coffee does give me palpitations and I'd rather do without coffee than have them. I still eat some dark chocolate every day.

RG72 profile image
RG72

My last coffee was the day I ended up in not one but two different A&E’s (I’d never had AF before and thought my number was up). Can’t say it was more of a trigger than anything else, but haven’t given it a try. Similar with coke, although I had one last month about 4pm and couldn’t sleep the entire night and there was an increase in ectopics.

Otherwise, I drink hot chocolate a lot more than I used to in order to recreate that warm (non-dairy) milky drink feeling in the hand. Tea seems to make no big difference, although I only have a couple of cups a day. Like many others here, I also have a square or two of dark chocolate a couple of times a week, with no discernible difference.

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

Mine is kind of in reverse. I actually drank decaf coffee already, before the AF reared its head but if Costa give me a normal coffee now, within half an hour, my pulse is doing tachy tango. Needless to say, I watch them like a hawk when they're making mine now.

TheGrinch2 profile image
TheGrinch2

Well I just drink decaf coffee I per day,and decaf tea,not seen any effects ,but ordinary coffee is not good for me.Pain really having to think about it

riverside22 profile image
riverside22

one of the nurses said best not to drink coffee, however the cardiologist didn't mention it. I reduced for a while after first diagnosed, now I drink coffee fairly much as I used to, not noticed a difference really. But then I'm in permanent AF, so it's not like it's going to 'bring on' an attack.

Budken profile image
Budken

A year or two ago I read an article about Afib and Coffee. It said that studies had shown, that it had no effect on Afib. I had given up Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate eleven years earlier when I was first diagnosed with Paroxysmal Afib. The Cardiologist I was seeing at the time, said all three were triggers for Afib and I had to stop consuming them. After reading the study, I decided to experiment. I started with a cup of half decaffeinated Coffee. Nothing happened! Then I had two, three, and still nothing. I started drinking my favorite Green Tea once again, with no problems. Then I did the grand experiment. I like strong Coffee, and have always enjoyed Cappuccino and other Espresso based Coffees. Once again, nothing happened. I can happily say I now drink two to three cups of good strong Coffee each day, and have had no problems in over a year of doing so! Recently I decided to try the same thing with Chocolate. I was always a Chocoholic! Dark Chocolate, being my favorite. Same results, nothing NADA! I do limit that though, to small amounts. I asked my German Cardiologist, and he said NO Caffeine and Chocolate have absolutely no effect on Afib! Not to worry! He did warn about alcohol though. Said it is the main trigger for Afib, and said a glass of wine now and then should not hurt, but suggested that when I do, I should also drink lots of water. Since in twelve years of not having had anything other than non-alcohol Beer ( Germany has some good ones ) I have not really felt the need to go further, with that. I do have a very small amount of wine now and then, when I serve it to others. The only thing I notice, is I feel the alcohol much faster. I don't really like it!

So my non professional advice is to see if Caffeine or Chocolate trigger your afib. I personally have had no problems. Matter of fact, I recently ( a month and a half ) was told to stop taking my daily dose of Flecainide. I had not had a single episode in four years. I had been taking 50mg twice daily for eight years, on the advice of my Florida Cardiologist. He later doubled the dose, after a few episodes to 100mg x 2. He was the one who also told me to stop Coffee! I now only take the Flec, in the event of an episode, Pill in the Pocket route. So far, I have not had to. I had only two very short episodes less than a half hour each, and they were right after stopping cold turkey. An occasional flutter, but that is it! If I do deep breathing, and relax,it stops.

Everyone is different. Some people go straight to the Ablation route. My first Cardiologist told me, they are simply a procedure that makes EP's wealthy. That most fail. I did consult an EP in the beginning, and he said in my case, there was no need to have one. The Flecainide was handling it well. He said an Ablation was only necessary when nothing else worked. He said I had a healthy heart. Thank God, I sought out an honest EP!

So my advice is to see just what triggers your afib. I know that mine is triggered by both strong emotions ( anger mostly ) and heavy late meals. The second being what triggered just about every event I have had. The main thing is not to get overly upset when you do feel an episode coming on. Relaxation, and deep breathing has always worked for me. As my German Cardiologist told me, " Afib will not kill you! It is simply a condition that can cause other problems, the main thing is to learn not to let it worry you!"

beach_bum profile image
beach_bum

I switched to decaf, no I issues. Paroxmyl afib, first episode just over 2 years ago, put on Xeralto and Diltiazem, no episodes since. I also have the occasional 70% dark chocolate, and enjoy 5% beer on weekends.

Everyone is different.

BeeBee79 profile image
BeeBee79

I only have coffee one or twice a day and then usually drink water. Hand on jumpy heart, my afib doesn't react to coffee - there are no triggers. It's still there whether I go without coffee or not.....

cpalmermn profile image
cpalmermn

Coffee seemed to calm my heart after my ablation!

I think more than the caffeine factor, it’s a food-digestion-vagal response issue for me. Anything that excites/irritates my esophagus translates to jumpy heart.

SCCDL profile image
SCCDL

I gave up caffeine and for some strange reason, it didn't bother me very much. The hardest part is finding caffeine free Diet Coke in stores or restaurants. (please don't hassle me about my caffeine free Diet Coke -it is my one guilty pleasure left in life) 😊.

Mikeski profile image
Mikeski

I switched to decaf for about 5 years after diagnosis. Then I said damn I want a cup of real coffee. Back to drinking caffeinated coffee for the past 7 years. I’ve seen no impact either way.

Elsie1955 profile image
Elsie1955

I used to enjoy an occasional cup of coffee, sometimes decaf sometimes regular, along with caffeinated coke or pepsi and Earl Grey tea but after the diagnoses of Afib, I was told that all had to stop so I did. Now it seems the rules on this changed to "as tolerated but not more than 1 cup of either per day". Medicine isn't an exact science and for that reason you have to be your own best advocate! Do what works for you.

fibnum profile image
fibnum

If you want a good laugh, look up the subject online.

Here are the conclusions from studies on caffeine and Afib that I noted:

1. No evidence of increased Afib from caffeine.

2. More caffeine reduces the incidence of Afib.

3. More caffeine increases the incidence of Afib.

4. Caffeine might increase the incidence of Afib slightly.

Pick one!

Personally, I drink a limited amount of lower-caffeine green tea daily and enjoy a bit of chocolate bar with nuts often. I think the first conclusion describes my experience.

Afibflipper profile image
Afibflipper

I do & I drink decaf now - a lot better (also too much salt eg; in pre prep meals or fast food, coke, etc) doesn’t seem to act instantly but maybe an hour or so later I feel it

2219overtimego profile image
2219overtimego

I stopped coffee as it kicked afib in hi but do drink some decaff tea as tea was worse then coffee. I do once in awhile have a cup of decaf coffre.

Camelia23 profile image
Camelia23

Alcohol seemed to set off my afibb more than coffee. In fact I had very strong palpitations after 2 cups of strong coffee during a break from art lesson. I had an egg and heart rate was 120 but told nothing amiss. A year later was diagnosed with afib. I can drink 1 coffee a day. I don't drink much alcohol but now and again have a glass of red wine. Stress is my worst trigger. I'm the sole driver. My husband is type 1 diabetic and not the best manager of it. I drank too much alcohol 🍸 in my 50s and 60s which might have also set off afib. Generally I'm healthier now.

vajrahara profile image
vajrahara

Hi Tomred

Yes is the short answer. I started very high rate permanent AF on 12th February 2022 only finally getting the rate controlled with digoxin and 12.5 bisoprolol then had a successful cardio version on 26/7/22. I had stopped drinking coffee whilst I had the AF but after the cardio version I thought surely I can get away with one cup of real coffee (the answer to any question starting with: surely I can get away with ….. is always: No you can’t) one cup pushed me back into AF went to A & E but the PIP extra bisoprolol on top of my daily dose sent me back into NSR. Since then I only drink decaffeinated black ground coffee or instant am and decaffeinated tea after 5pm but I drink both tea and coffee black cannot stand milk in hot drinks. However I don’t drink any alcohol at all and that is what makes identifying one predisposing variable difficult. I have not had any incidents of AF at all since that one cup of caffeinated coffee so obviously it is my trigger.

bean_counter27 profile image
bean_counter27

I have 3 cups of instant coffee each morning, sometimes 4 - and usually on an empty stomach. So I probably get the full effect of the caffeine, albeit at instant coffee levels, but it doesn't appear to trigger AF episodes for me. I've had AF for >3 years but has largely been under control with medication - except for a period after having COVID (went from having 1 episode in 12 months to several episodes in 4 months). When I was first diagnosed I switched to decaf but eventually switched back to caffeinated, seemingly without any impact on my AF. So, I don't think caffeine is a trigger for my AF at the level I drink at - otherwise I would have stopped drinking it. You should try identify your triggers and manage them accordingly i.e. if you avoid anything that might trigger AF you might be giving up something you enjoy that doesn't trigger AF for you. YMMV

Hdev profile image
Hdev

it took awhile but I figured out my limits,,,no coffee,, only decaf ,,limited to 8oz or less,,,and tea is fine if I don’t let it steep long,,,if I mess this up,,I get tachycardia for hours and it is most uncomfortable,,,I left alcohol way behind me,,just too scared to try it,,,,it’s not worth a bout of afib to try to enjoy these drinks,,,so far I’ve avoided ablations and the dreaded paddles,,,I don’t ever want to go there if I can help it,,,my afib is a few times a year in 3-9 hr sessions,,,,I’m on my meds,,.Eliquis and metoprolol ,,,so be it !

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

I drink coffee without problems , ground filtered Kenyan coffee which is not strong 2 cups a day .

I read research that coffee is not thought to be a problem for those with AF though of course AFers differ and some consider coffee to be a trigger.

Bloodredroses profile image
Bloodredroses

YESSSSSSS . Real or decaf makes a HIGE difference to my affib. Hand 🤚 on heart ♥️. I drink a 1 1/2 shot as opposed to 2 shots normal small Costa ( high caffeine coffee) out shopping . Huge difference . Strong coffee is bad for heart . Google it .

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena

Yes, I stopped all caffeinated drinks

TonyB1972 profile image
TonyB1972

Hi Tom, I was on 2 cups of black coffee per day. I used to get headaches if I didn't have a good filter coffee by 11am. Been drinking coffee for over 20 years. I stopped overnight and switched to green tea a year ago and never looked back. I get a milder caffeine fix but its enough, its a different type of fix, its very gentle. I stopped coffee as I felt it was agitating me but now I have 2 cups of organic green teas per day, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. I think it's reduced palpations but that's not the reason I stopped. It feels cleaner and I don't feel I need to keep drinking water to flush the coffee out.

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