In the so-called DECAF study, published in the renowned Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers followed two hundred people with atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder. Half of them were instructed to drink at least one cup of coffee every day, the other half not. After six months, 47 percent of coffee drinkers suffered from heart rhythm disorders again, compared to 64 percent of people who avoided coffee.
Scientists do not yet know exactly why coffee has such an effect. Possible explanations lie in the effect of caffeine. This blocks so-called adenosine receptors, which play a role in the development of irregular heartbeats.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Coffee also contains hundreds of other substances with anti-inflammatory properties and could have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect. Moreover, previous studies show that coffee drinkers exercise more on average, a known protective effect against cardiac arrhythmias.
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Still, the researchers warn against jumping to conclusions. Diet, exercise or other caffeine sources were not taken into account. Further studies are needed to determine the precise mechanism. In any case, it is good news for coffee lovers: a daily cup seems to be a friend rather than an enemy of the heart.
