Coffee anyone?

[Jasper18]

Hi all, I came across several articles advocating that coffee consumption in the “right quantities” reduces symptoms of arrhythmia, for the common good thought I’d give it a go!

(I cant seem to be able to add an article link, but if you want to google it’s ; “right amount of coffee reduces arrhythmia by 13%”!)

Caffeine from coffee has never seemed to trigger events for me, however I’ve always limited my intake to a home brewed double espresso each morning. During a recent period of relatively heavy daily ectopics, I increased my intake to 3 per day - equally spaced out through the day. I’m pleased to say that my ectopics stopped abruptly on day two! I’m not reading a great deal into it, most likely just a coincidence, but a nice result nonetheless! Anyone else had a similar experience?

[Buffafly]

Interesting, did your HR increase?

[Jasper18 in reply to Buffafly]

No, about 55-58 ish resting as normal & after ectopics stopped, a “nil-sensation” NSR. Honestly, it felt very much that the coffee might have helped.

[mjames1]

Yes, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to better overall cardiovascular health. It should be noted that at least one source suggests filtered coffee is better in this regard than unfiltered coffee. Not sure if that would make a difference ectopic beats, however.

Personally, I've had mixed experience with coffee and ectopics. At one point they seem to help and at one point they seemed to hurt.

Jim

[Jasper18 in reply to mjames1]

Agreed, I don’t think it’s a sure-fire solution, just that in this instance the ectopics stopping seemed to coincide very closely with the 3 per day intake!

[mjames1 in reply to Jasper18]

Very well could be it. But like with atrial fibrillation, sometimes what stops it can start it. . A never ending and frustrating puzzle.

[Jasper18]

Clearly there’s a lot of mixed messaging regards coffee, perhaps not so much regards alcohol! Mind you I’ve been told just to “limit” consumption by some and to abstain fully by other professionals 🤔

[secondtry]

Thanks for posting. I think a coffee before 1pm may be good for some that have posted here in the past. For a decade with AF in remission, I happily left it at a sip of my partner's and a modest square of dark chocolate before 1pm.

However, a form of AF/Flutter/ectopics has emerged this year. I am currently experimenting with increased supplements that I had run down and caffeine may be the next experiment.

Well done, I think it is so good that people are prepared to experiment on themselves and post the results here as it all helps 👏.

[Jasper18 in reply to secondtry]

Thanks for the reply, it was no hardship honestly, I love my espresso's!

[pip_pip]

Its up to the individual. i drink a fair bit of cafetiere coffee, cafetiere in the morning and a mug later in afternoon. I've never had a problem with that and the AF over 20 year period. 'Limiting consumption' is text book stuff. I stopped drinking alcohol the day I was diagnosed with AF 25 years ago, but then I had a drink problem, and was glad to have a reason to stop. I will say that no doctor ever believes that i've not had an alcoholic drink for 25 years. Very sceptical looks.... Of course I can't prove it.!

Cup of coffee please !

Best to all

Phil

[mhoam in reply to pip_pip]

hi Phil,

Alongside my AF I also often have raised Liver enzymes. I too have received a few of those questioning looks from doctors when I tell them I haven't touched any alcohol for about 40 years! My reason was any alcohol triggered migraine attacks so stopping was no problem at all

[Ossie7]

I too have read this and do have 1 to 2 fresh coffees per day with no increase in ectopics or variations from NSR . Thank goodness us afibbers can enjoy some of life’s little luxuries !

[Ppiman]

I have read several studies that show conclusively that in normal quantities caffeine is safe for those with AF, despite several here advocating we must stop drinking it!

It has no effect on me at all. I gather for what I have read that only a very few people are extra sensitive to caffeine and might have an individual problem with drinking anything containing this alkaloid. I suspect, rather like "gluten free", apparently, that "caffeine free" is more derived from clever marketing than actual medical need.

Steve

[Vonnegut]

No but as we know, we are all different. I went off coffee a while before I acquired the PAF so it was easy to follow the advice to pack it in and stick to the different herbal teas that I prefer.

[JezzaJezza in reply to Vonnegut]

I can’t deny that I miss coffee (decaf just isn’t the same) but for me it definitely triggers palpitations. I also love my berry tea 🤗

[Sixtyslidogirl]

I did give up caffeine mostly to promote good sleep. I do have the occasional caffeinated cup with no ill effects.

[Thomas45]

Caffeine from coffee or from tea, or from cola never triggered events for me. However another ingredient in coffee did, so I have not had coffee for 16 years. There was an article mentioned about a year out so ago about drinking coffee made from coffee beans compared with drinking instant, and I believe it said that a certain amount of fresh bean coffee was beneficial.I still steer well clear.

[DKBX]

Coffee causes a sour tummy which exacerbates the heart for me. Tea (PG Tips) does not. Coupled with home grown cannabis tea lowers anxiety to nil.

[JezzaJezza]

They thought I had paroxysmal AF but was diagnosed as SVT and associated ectopics. Both are now extremely well controlled with dronedarone (Multaq) and 2.5mg bisoprolol. After 6 months of being on these drugs and closely tracking, I now know my triggers. They are caffeine, alcohol, stress and anxiety, and eating too much and/ or too much.

I cut out all caffeine and now have the odd cup of decaffeinated. I do not have any coca-cola or energy type filth drinks, nor do I drink tea but I do drink berry tea which doesn’t have any caffeine. I gave up alcohol overnight when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure 2 years ago and now only drink 0-0 versions - I honestly don’t miss it. I practice yoga, mindfulness and meditation and this has been transformative for me. Finally I still exercise but no more high intensity interval training.

[JezzaJezza in reply to JezzaJezza]

I meant to say eating too much and/ or too late.

[Borderterriorist in reply to JezzaJezza]

My daughter had her first SVT episode when she was 7, she will have had none of the triggers that you have mentioned. She goes for years without an episode but currently, aged 34, is getting approx 2x monthly. She's never had medication but has managed them with various vagal manoevers, aged 7 the usual one was doing a handstand against a wall but she doesn't do that now. She's extremely fit, eats a very healthy diet, does enjoy a decent cup of coffee and the occasional drink but she has an extra electrical pathway in her heart that can cause trouble.