Arrhythmia and Coffee—To Drink or Not to Drink?

Drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee daily reduces risk for arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality according to research findings presented at the American College of Cardiology 71st Annual Scientific Session & Expo, from April 2nd through 4th, in Washington, DC.

Previous studies, though limited in size, suggest that coffee offers beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes. Researchers sought to investigate the association between people who drink coffee and arrhythmia, CVD, and mortality outcomes.

To accomplish this, they conducted a retrospective study of the UK Biobank prospective cohort that measured outcomes for over 10 years, and included 382,535 participants (aged 57±13 years; 52% women) without CVD at baseline. Participant questionnaires divided coffee intake into 6 categories: 0, less than 1, 1, 2 to 3, 4 to 5, and greater than 5 cups daily. Statistical analysis included Cox regression with hazard ratios (HR) to determine whether drinking coffee is a factor in developing incident arrhythmia, CVD (defined as coronary heart disease [CHD], heart failure, and stroke), and mortality after controlling for other factors that play a role in heart health and long life, such asd high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, exercise, and alcohol.

Drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day yielded the lowest risk for CVD (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.88-0.94), CHD (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.87-0.93), heart failure (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.81-0.90), and all-cause mortality (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.83-0.90). Drinking less than 1 cup of coffee per day was optimal for stroke risk (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75-0.96). New heart rhythm issues showed the lowest risk at 2 to 3 cups daily (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88-0.95) and a parabolic curve to either side of 2 to 3 cups daily. Cardiovascular mortality showed the least risk at 1 cup daily (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75-0.93) (all P <.01).

The researchers wrote, “Regular coffee intake, particularly at 2-3 cups/day, was associated with significant reductions in incident arrhythmia, CVD, and cardiovascular/all-cause mortality. Daily coffee intake should be considered part of a healthy diet.”

Reference

Chieng D, Canovas R, Segan L, et al. Effects of habitual coffee consumption on incident cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, and mortality: Findings from UK Biobank. Presented at: American College of Cardiology 71st Annual Scientific Session & Expo; April 2-4, 2022; Washington, DC. Abstract Number: 22-A-9957-ACC

Good news for coffee lovers: Daily coffee may benefit the heart. News release. Washington, DC. March 24, 2022.