Can AFib and Coffee Co-Exist?

For many people, coffee is part of the daily rhythm, so it’s no surprise that a diagnosis of an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation (AFib) can raise an immediate question: does this mean coffee is off the table?

AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly. If left untreated, this serious condition greatly increases your risk of stroke or dying from a heart-related complication.

Because coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant, it’s often linked to a racing heart or that jittery, on-edge feeling. That connection has led many people with AFib to worry that their morning cup could trigger palpitations or throw their heart out of rhythm.

What’s reassuring is that more recent research is challenging that long-held concern. Large studies over the past several years have found no clear link between moderate coffee consumption and an increased risk of AFib episodes. In fact, some research suggests that people who regularly drink coffee are no more likely — and sometimes even less likely — to experience AFib than those who don’t.

This by no means everyone with AFib should start chugging espresso, but it’s safe to say that coffee isn’t automatically the villain it was once thought to be. As always, the most important guide is your own body. If coffee seems to worsen symptoms, it may be worth cutting back. If it doesn’t, enjoying it in moderation may still be fine. A quick check-in with your provider can help you find the right balance, so your heart and your morning routine can stay in sync.