A familiar drink unexpectedly turned out to be a heart protector

One cup of coffee a day can reduce the risk of dangerous arrhythmia - atrial fibrillation. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the USA, Canada and Australia who conducted the first randomized study on this topic.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the work was published in the journal JAMA.

The DECAF study involved 200 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who were scheduled for electrical cardioversion - a procedure to restore normal heart rhythm. Half of the participants were asked to drink at least one cup of coffee daily, while the other half were asked to completely avoid caffeine for six months.

The results were unexpected: those who drank coffee had a 39 percent lower risk of arrhythmia recurrence (47 percent versus 64 percent in the abstinence group). Moreover, no side effects or worsening of condition were recorded.

The authors note that the results refute long-standing concerns of doctors regarding caffeine and the heart. According to the study leader, Dr. Christopher Wong, coffee likely has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes a more stable heart rhythm, making it a safe - and even beneficial - drink for most patients.