Study: one cup of coffee a day reduces arrhythmia risk by almost half

A new study called DECAF, published on November 9 in the medical journal JAMA, has shown that moderate coffee consumption may positively affect heart health.

For six months, scientists observed 200 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) — the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. It turned out that those who consumed on average one cup of coffee daily experienced arrhythmia 47% less often than patients who completely avoided caffeine.

The results contradict the long-standing belief that coffee negatively affects heart rhythm. According to researchers, substances found in coffee — particularly antioxidants and caffeine — may reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar levels, and block receptors that contribute to arrhythmia development.

At the same time, experts emphasize that this refers only to moderate consumption. Excessive coffee intake may have the opposite effect, so any dietary changes are recommended to be discussed with a doctor.