Is this true? A caffeine tale - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Is this true? A caffeine tale

Bagrat profile image
33 Replies

I have not yet googled ( oops done a web search) so cannot offer a citation yet. Does anyone know anything about this?

L-theanine features in many otc dog calming meds though.

"Coffee caffeine and tea caffeine are different. Coffee caffeine is fast acting, while tea caffeine is long acting due to the amino acid L-theanine. That amino acid is used in long acting melatonin."

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Bagrat profile image
Bagrat
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33 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

No idea but it is often said that tea has more caffeine than coffee per weight.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toBobD

Yes, I've seen that but if L-theanine slows absorption less effect on heart suddenly ?? Purely academic for me as I stick to what works for me and coffee can be a trigger tea not .

Mrsvemb profile image
Mrsvemb in reply toBagrat

Interesting what you say about coffee can be a trigger, tea not. I only had decaf tea and coffee for many years. Last year I was drinking 3 or 4 decaf coffees a day. I then realised that it was triggering AF.

As we know decaf tea and coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, so I purchased coffee that was guaranteed 100% caffeine free. Expensive!

It still triggered AF so I concluded that in my case it is actually coffee, with or without caffeine is a trigger for me.

Now my only hot drink is peppermint tea.

Threecats profile image
Threecats in reply toMrsvemb

The same here. I used to love my coffee and thought I’d be ok with decaf but wasn’t. I also spent a small fortune on guaranteed caffeine free coffee but no joy with that either. I seem to be ok with decaf tea though, thankfully.

Mrsvemb profile image
Mrsvemb in reply toThreecats

Yes I am ok with decaf tea, but amongst others I am intolerant to dairy. Can only drink tea with a dash of normal skimmed milk. I was drinking coffee with rice milk, but it’s vile in tea 🤣

Tangalle profile image
Tangalle in reply toMrsvemb

I only drink rooibus (red bush) tea, naturally decaffinated. It does not need milk, although I am sure some may add milk, and is a nice mild calming tea. In my opinion, Tick Tock is the best and there is also a vanilla flavour which is lovely. I Ike my tea fairly weak so dip in the tea bag after the water. If you like strong brewed tea I cannot say what the taste will be like.

Mrsvemb profile image
Mrsvemb in reply toTangalle

I am an English Breakfast Tea person if I am going to drink tea. Quite strong with a dash of skimmed milk I have tried red bush, but to me, it didn’t taste like tea, we are all different.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toTangalle

Thank you for reminding me, I used to get Rooibus tea I believe the lady in Alexander McCall's the No1 Ladies Detective Agency used to drink it.

Tangalle profile image
Tangalle in reply toBagrat

Fancy that, it must be good!

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut in reply toMrsvemb

There are lots of lovely herbal teas available that I enjoyed before I was diagnosed so no problem with them!

Speed profile image
Speed in reply toBobD

My understanding is yes, tea may have more caffeine per weight of raw ingredient than coffee but far less is absorbed into the final drink. (Statistics and all that). From memory, therefore, there’s something like 2-3 times the qty of caffeine in a cup of coffee than tea. Of course coffees and teas come in all types and strengths and there is a surprisingly big difference in the caffeine in coffee from the big branded coffee shops. According to Which, a costa cappuccino has 5 x the caffeine of a Starbucks!

And finally, a decaf does still have a low level - it’s not caffeine free!

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toSpeed

Thank you. Avoid starbucks and costa as don't lik either.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toBagrat

I love Starbucks, not as keen on costa but don’t have a problem with either but I do with Black Tea but as I HATE the taste I wouldn’t ever drink it. I think it’s the tannin as same with red wine, which depending upon the quality - could be a trigger for me.

Caffeine in small doses is not a problem in itself for me, as long as the product containing the caffeine has been well produced and manufactured but the numerous chemicals used in processing is I think more of a problem, for me at least.

ochinee profile image
ochinee in reply toSpeed

"And finally, a decaf does still have a low level - it’s not caffeine free!"

I drink swiss water decaffeinated coffee and the caffeine content is purported to be minuscule (.01 to .05% depending on brand).

Exfat profile image
Exfat

After a few experiments, I found the one cup of tea in the morning and throughout the rest of the day, mostly decaffeinated or herbal teas with one cup of decaffeinated coffee. None of them bring on PAF, but if I have more than 3 cups of normal tea, it’s puff Don’t risk it with coffee at all even decaffeinated. I know that one cup of decaf coffee is the limit for me

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toExfat

I have 2 large mugs of 'full fat' tea in bed. Only drink the dreaded instant coffee but can get away with one shot decaf 'Proper' if out (you get used to odd looks !)

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply toBagrat

My routine is similar. I can't abide decaff tea so I have two lovely cuppas in the morning (I buy a loose leaf mix of darjeeling and ceylon) and no more. A have a small decaff coffee a few times a week. I always ask for a one shot decaff Americano if I'm out.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toBagrat

Active Tumeric tea first thing in the morning, coffee only AFTER eating and NEVER instant - fast track to AF. We all react very differently so there is no one way.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

I haven't seen that but it seems (from other googling!) that the dose of caffeine from both is too low to cause much effect in most people. I think there might be a large dose of psychology in the idea of a caffeine shot! My daughter in law, for example, a nurse, insists that caffeine from coffee acts as a diuretic and will make people pee more, but it seems she's wrong as the dose is far too low for that. What it does do is increase fluid intake and might irritate the bladder of some prone individuals.

Steve

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toPpiman

Indeed, also the diuretic effect if any does not work if you are a regular coffee drinker I'm told. However if it knocks you into AF, you could blame it for the frequent peeing ,which of course is due to a hormone released not caffeine!!

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toBagrat

I have read from others here about the frequent need to wee but never get it myself (mind I don’t get frequent AF, thank goodness).

Steve

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toPpiman

"Frequent urination during the early phase of an episode is due to the release of atrial natriuretic peptide from the fibrillating atria." Another quote says arrythmia pulse over 120 can cause this for same reason. I searched increased urination Paroxysmal AF and went from there

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toBagrat

Interesting!

Steve

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45

I found that coffee was a trigger, but caffeine was not. I drink caffeine in tea and cola without problems. I haven't had any coffee for 16 years. I drink breakfast tea, plus Darjeeling, Chai, and other "caffeinated" tea without it affecting my AF.I also drink lemongrass and ginger tea, as well as Summer fruits, and peppermint tea.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toThomas45

That's interesting. Coffee must contain a wide range of other natural chemicals, though (and some caused by roasting that might not be so good for us). I've read that it's likely good for the heart!

Steve

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

Lots of lovely ginger variations

Dollcollector profile image
Dollcollector

I have one cup of builders tea with my breakfast ( l can't give that up ) and a small fruit juice. I have a herbal drink mid morning and an ovaltine early evening. The rest of the time l drink tap water. I was told by the cardiologist... No alcohol, no caffeine and no fizzy drinks as they are triggers for a.f. for some people. I didn't drink coffee or fizzy drinks, so they were no problem. I have given up alcohol completely. Isn't there caffeine in chocolate, more in dark chocolate. I have more or less given that up. Christmas was a problem with all the boxes of chocolates put out for everybody to indulge themselves 😀. Also l love a hot chocolate drink.

Rm61012180 profile image
Rm61012180 in reply toDollcollector

Do you drink non alcoholic spirits?

Dollcollector profile image
Dollcollector in reply toRm61012180

No,l don't want see the point.

Rm61012180 profile image
Rm61012180

Confused...what are you asking?

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toRm61012180

If that's for me, it's a post not a question. More "I came across this, what thinks you, re impact on AF if absorption slower"

Rm61012180 profile image
Rm61012180 in reply toBagrat

Wow...

Peacefulneedshelp profile image
Peacefulneedshelp

yes it is true I read about that awhile back.

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