The short answer will be yes. The longer explanation will be about what type of coffee you are drinking, how regularly, and what your specific susceptibility is to the effects of caffeine on the factors that trigger arrhythmias. Studies suggest that caffeine intake of up to 300 mg/day may be safe for arrhythmia patients. So here’s the deal…
WHAT IS CAFFEINE?
According to Wikipedia caffeine(found in coffee) is a central nervous system stimulant that reduces fatigue and drowsiness. It is also a proven ergogenic aid(Performance-enhancing substance also known as a performance-enhancing drug PED). Caffeine improves athletic performance in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
It is the worlds most widely consumed psychoactive drug. It is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world. It can have both positive and negative health effects.
A regular cup of coffee contains 80-175 mg of caffeine, and 85% of the American population consumes some sort of caffeine daily with an average of 164mg consumed daily. Health Canada advises a daily intake of no more than 400 mg. This means between 4 to 6 cups of coffee per day if it is accepted that an average cup of coffee will contain about 94 mg of caffeine.
CAFFEINE AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Because of the effects of caffeine on enhancing the mind and heart rate it may be assumed that it can contribute to arrhythmia. In most, if not all cases the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee is not clearly indicated. As mentioned above it is a drug and therefore you can theoretically “overdose” on it. This rarely happens, and when it does it is usually because of a dietary supplement or caffeine tablets rather than from drinking coffee.
As mentioned in this study which summarized 11 major studies of the relationship between caffeinated beverages and atrial fibrillation the following was discovered.
One small case-control study with no adjustments for other confounders reported that coffee was detrimental
Three studies demonstrated the benefit of coffee and
Seven studies showed no significant interaction.
The authors did mention that caution must be taken before the data is used on face value, because in all the long term studies investigators followed regular long-term coffee drinkers and coffee tolerance may explain the lack of association with arrhythmias.
Twenty-five percent of patients reported coffee as an AF trigger in this study. Within this same study, in which 100 patients were interviewed 54% reported psychic stress as a trigger. I just had to throw it in there because it fascinates me that our mind can be so strong!
DECAF COFFEE AND AFIB
If you did not know it, decaf coffee still has some caffeine in it. Surprise! But much less. On average, a decaf coffee of 236-ml (8-ounce) will contain up to 7mg of caffeine compared to a regular cup of coffee which will have between 70-140 mg of caffeine according to Healthline. Other studies mentioned above said that a regular cup of coffee may contain up to 175 mg of caffeine.
HOW DOES TEA AFFECT YOUR HEART RATE?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the caffeine content in tea and coffee can vary considerably. Factors like origin, processing, preparation method, brewing time and type of tea will have an impact on the amount of caffeine in tea.
Most teas do contain caffeine but much less than coffee. The average caffeine content in an 8oz (237ml) cup of tea will be between 25-48 mg of caffeine, except if it says decaf or if it is Rooibos tea.
Rooibos Tea is naturally caffeine-free and has many health benefits. The caffeine content in most teas are low and I did not find specific research about how tea affects or does not affect, atrial fibrillation. There were studies that indicated that drinking tea is good for your heart health. Not just because of the lower caffeine levels but also because of polyphenols and flavonoids in tea. Rooibos tea is also used as a detox.
With all things, it is very important to know what type of tea you are drinking. Black tea is caffeinated and is not great for high blood pressure according to this site. My favorite tea will always be Rooibos Tea, because of the lack of caffeine in it but also because of all the other health benefits. And it’s natural!
SUMMARY
According to this study mentioned above the following was found.
Regular caffeine intake through coffee and tea is safe and may even protect against heart rhythm disorders. There is however a “safe” cutoff ” of 300 mg caffeine intake per day, which equals about 3-4 regular cups of coffee per day.
Some individuals are very sensitive to caffeine and those who do experience noticeable effects due to caffeine usage must avoid caffeinated beverages. Unfortunately what the study does not say is that you will only know how sensitive you are to caffeine if you experience an “AFIB attack” after using a caffeinated drink.
Many energy drinks have caffeine content between 160 and 500 mg in a single serving, and therefore should be used with caution. I avoid it totally.
Do you want to get rid of the bad stuff in your body? Use this Rooibos Tea Detox.
I am not a doctor, and I do not give medical advice. I’m a person who was born with a CHD called Tetralogy of Fallot. I have suffered from AFIB and during my journey experienced one open-heart surgery, 8 cardioversions, and an ablation. AFIB has not reduced me to living a “small life”. I endeavor to manage it wisely by applying what I learn about it.
Good afternoon from Kenya
I had a few episodes ( 2017 x1 + 2018 x 2 + 2019 x 2 ) of Afib
We don’t know the reason.
Also since 1998 I have extra systoles on and off
Mostly related with Stress , anxious….
It is Ok to drink black tea 2-3 cups a day very mild tea.
Thanks for your help
Antonia Duro – born 1957
Hi Antonia
Thx for the comment.
I drink coffee, up to 4 cups a day and it has never put me into AFIB, but I must say it is not strong coffee. It is Nescafe Instant Ricoffy. It only has about 40-70mg of caffeine per cup. But I also drink Rooibos Tea that has no caffeine in it.
I never drink any type of caffeinated energy drinks.
Below is information I saw on: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372
Teas Size in oz. (mL) Caffeine (mg)
Brewed black 8 (237) 25-48
Brewed black, decaf 8 (237) 2-5
Brewed green 8 (237) 25-29
Ready-to-drink, bottled 8 (237) 5-40
Hello. My name is Rob. I went into AFIB 23 June 2019. It changed my life forever. Since then I have been in a constant state of Anxiety. Originally the Docs thought it was me drinking but then when they found out I had Sleep Apnea, Diabetes and obsese they ruled out the drinking part (or at least put it on the bottom of the list). I have not had a drop of alcohol since 23 Jun. Sad really because I would love a few light beers…Doc said I can have 3-4 in a two hour span with a chance it could set it off however, he actually recommended I have at least 1 cup of caffeinated coffee a day. There are not many case studies AFIB so it’s hard to pinpoint super legit info. Once case study I read says caffine was never really a factor unless you had 400-500mg a day or this much in an energy drink as well. I am on amiodarone as well as blood thinners and blood pressure meds. I think with AFIB it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. you always think you’ll be ready but it’s scary as hell.
For me Coffee is a go with no trips though..sometimes 2 cups a day. Hope all is well with anyone reading this.
Hi Rob
Thank you for the comment. I drink up to 4 or 5 coffees per day but they are not strong coffees.
We afibbers have to constantly keep track of what does not work for us, or what does.
It seems there is no “golden standard” to keep, to ensure you are AFIB free.
I really enjoyed reading all the comments on this site and it is especially wonderful knowing that I am not alone with my Panic, anxiety and PVCs. The doctor has me on metoprolol tartrate. 25 mg once a day. I have had to cut out my coffee and chocolate. I have only drank one cup of coffee every morning and have a cup of chocolate ice cream or chocolate chip cookies every evening. It has been a nightmare and have been to the hospital three times by ambulance with tachycardia hundred 55 beats per minute. I also have generalized anxiety disorder. I am getting better but I cannot get over the dizziness. My neighbor has to take me to the doctor and has to carry me wherever I need to go. I do not know what is causing me to be so dizzy. I have always been a very independent lady. My husband passed away from lung cancer this past March. I know this is probably what started my PVCs and tachycardia. I am a very Christian lady and trust in God in everything I do. But still have anxiety. I am trying very hard to relax and let it go. Thank you all so much for your comments and information. It has really helped me tremendously.
Hi Sharon
Thank you for the comment.
Jesus Christ has never let me down. I do not get everything I ask for precisely the way I want it but His grace is sufficient for me.
God has delivered me from anxiety and I praise Him for that.
God is on your side, that’s the good news!
Try walking a lot! That will help with some anxiety and improves your heart! Also, get your doctor to get you a low dose of Xanax or a drug that will “Help” you relax. I am very nervous and worry and after my first A-fib. , heart Flutter experience, I had to start Ambien to sleep at night and an anti anxiety drug to help me relax. I just had a horrible attack, so am now losing weight and walking more………..and take 0.25mg. – 0.50 of Xanax when I feel anxiety coming on.
My wife has ATRIAL FIBRILLATION and she drinks coffee daily, all be it, just one cup. The issue here is moderation. Typically when I find a coffee addict, they often are drinking a lot of bad coffee. When they switch to a high quality coffee, the amount of coffee they drink typically reduces dramatically.
As for decaf. You’re spot on. That’s a good solution. One important consideration is to make sure that the decaf coffee is Swiss Water Processed (more natural) and secondly the decaf is a medium roast. 99.9% of all decaf coffee is way way over roasted. Stick with the medium roast and you’ll enjoy decaf much more. Besides a medium roast is much smoother. Just search the internet for “Smoothest Coffee”. There are several good choices there, including decaf.
Hi Russel
Thank you for the great comment.