Should Younger Patients Livewith A
Most cardiologists agree that our treatment approach to younger patients should be more aggressive. Even though a 50 year-old may feel just fine living in A-Fib, they are so young that we dont know what their long-term future holds in store for them.
For example, it is possible that these patients may later have a heart attack or other heart problems. They might really miss the lost 20-30% of cardiac output from A-Fib when they get into their 70s.
Thus, even if younger A-Fib patients dont have any A-Fib symptoms, we often still opt for a more aggressive strategy .
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Coffee Caffeine And Atrial Fibrillation
Caffeine is the most widely consumed behaviorally active substance in the world and almost all caffeine comes from dietary sources, most of it from coffee Associations between coffee, caffeine and AF have had conflicting results. Coffee contains several hundred different substances including lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. Nevertheless effects of coffee on cardiovascular system have been mainly related to caffeine.
Caffeine is an alkaloid present in coffee beans, in humans come from a number of dietary sources i.e. tea, coffee, cocoa beverages, chocolate bars and soft drinks and recently energy drinks. . The content of caffeine of these items ranges from 4 to 180 mg/150 ml for coffee, 15 to 29 mg/180 ml for cola, 24 to 50 mg/150 ml for tea, 2 to 7 mg/150 ml for cocoa and 1 to 36 mg/28 mg for chocolate, 100 to 286 mg for common ED, however some brands of ED contain 550 mg caffeine per can or bottle.
The clinical effect of intakes of caffeine from coffee, tea, caffeinated soda and energy drinks on AF remain inconclusive. The patho-physiology of the arrhythmias have been described in detail, however the mechanism underlying electrical changes and the possible triggering factors remain largely unknown. Several studies evaluated the acute effects of caffeine on heart rate and found controversial results.
Caffeine toxicity produces supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation.
Is Caffeine Causing My Heart Palpitations
For years researchers believed caffeines stimulant effects on the heart were responsible for heart palpitations. Recent research suggests this isnt necessarily the case. That doesnt mean caffeine isnt causing your heart symptoms, and it doesnt vindicate caffeine completely.
The body adapts to the effects of caffeine. Therefore, healthy people who regularly drink coffee are unlikely to experience symptoms such as heart palpitations. Caffeine can cause heart palpitations in people with a sensitivity to caffeine and those with an underlying heart condition.
If youre new to caffeine consumption or drink excess amounts, youre more likely to experience heart symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to visit a heart specialist for a checkup.
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Coffee Won’t Upset Your Heartbeat It Might Even Calm It
HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, July 19, 2021 — For decades, doctors have warned folks suffering from heart rhythm problems to avoid coffee, out of concern that a caffeine jolt might prompt a herky-jerky heartbeat.
But a large new study has found that most people can enjoy their morning joe or afternoon diet cola free from worry — caffeine doesn’t seem to increase most people’s risk of arrhythmias.
“We see no evidence for this broad-based recommendation to avoid coffee or caffeine,” said study co-author Dr. Gregory Marcus, associate chief of cardiology for research at the University of California, San Francisco. “There could be some individuals where caffeine is their trigger, but I think the growing evidence is those cases are actually quite rare.”
In fact, results indicate that every additional cup of coffee a person drinks daily might lower their risk of arrhythmia by about 3% on average, according to the study published July 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
“The majority of people, even those with arrhythmias, should be able to enjoy their cup of coffee, and maybe there are some people for whom caffeine or coffee may actually help reduce their risk,” Marcus said.
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, but its properties as a stimulant have prompted many doctors to warn heart patients against drinking java, Marcus said.
Of that large group, about 17,000 developed a heart rhythm problem during an average follow-up of 4.5 years, researchers said.
Does Coffee Increase Heart Rate
However, it isnt all good news for coffee drinkers and heart patients. While the upper chambers of the heart appear unaffected by coffee consumption, the lower chambers do experience changes.
Premature ventricular contractions, which occur when the heart beats early, are considered normal. Even healthy adults have these contractions occasionally. However, high levels of these additional contractions can increase the risk of heart failure. During the coffee drinking study, it was found that participants who drank coffee suffered approximately 50% more contractions on the days that they did drink coffee.
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Coffee Doesnt Raise Your Risk For Heart Rhythm Problems
UCSF Cardiology Researchers Report No Link Between Coffee Consumption and Arrhythmia
In the largest study of its kind, an investigation by UC San Francisco has found no evidence that moderate coffee consumption can cause cardiac arrhythmia.
In fact, each additional daily cup of coffee consumed among several hundred thousand individuals was associated with a 3 percent lower risk of any arrhythmia occurring, including atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, or other common heart conditions, the researchers report. The study included a four-year follow up.
The paper is published July 19, 2021, in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Coffee is the primary source of caffeine for most people, and it has a reputation for causing or exacerbating arrhythmias, said senior and corresponding author Gregory Marcus, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at UCSF.
But we found no evidence that caffeine consumption leads to a greater risk of arrhythmias, said Marcus, who specializes in the treatment of arrhythmias. Our population-based study provides reassurance that common prohibitions against caffeine to reduce arrhythmia risk are likely unwarranted.
In the new study, UCSF scientists explored whether habitual coffee intake was associated with a risk of arrhythmia, and whether genetic variants that affect caffeine metabolism could modify that association.
Disclosures can be found in the paper.
Over The Counter Supplements
Another thing that can trigger episodes of atrial fibrillation is over-the-counter supplements, particularly over-the-counter cold medications. Several over-the-counter cold medications contain a stimulant in them. If a cold supplement had a âDâ in part of the name, that âDâ stands for a decongestant, and thats usually some type of stimulant. It makes you feel better when youre sick, but it can also stimulate your heart and cause episodes of atrial fibrillation.
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Caffeine And Heart Rate Control
Heart rate control is a primary goal for managing AFib, as keeping a pulse between 80 and 110 at rest will reduce the heart muscles workload. AFib medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, will regulate heart rate, and in some cases a pacemaker is necessary.
Caffeine can speed up heart rate due to its stimulant properties, and as a result, people with AF are often advised to avoid caffeine or keep intake low because it will trigger an episode.
- WebMDs information about AF states that stimulants like caffeine can prompt an occurrence, but that it is more likely to happen in people who do not usually consume it.
- Mayo Clinic indicates that caffeine may cause AF, and recommends limiting intake or abstaining.
How Is Afib Treated
Our board-certified cardiothoracic experts treat Afib frequently in our clinics. Depending on the severity of the case, it can be treated with medication, a pacemaker, or surgery if necessary.
Surgical treatments that CTVS offers to correct Afib include the Maze Procedure and the more minimally-invasive Convergent Procedure.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you feel any of these symptoms which could indicate Afib or another serious heart condition. Experts agree that further research is needed about the link between energy drinks and their effects on the heart.
For concerns about Afib, or any other cardiothoracic condition, please visit ctvstexas.com or call us at 459-8753 to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.
Dont forget to follow us on and and check our blog for regular updates.
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Other Risk Factors For A
Interestingly, people with A-fib report that the same activities, such as going for a walk, might prompt an attack one day and not the next.
Additionally, heart disease is a known risk factor for A-fib, as are age, obesity, and genetics, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and European ancestry.
However, there is a closer connection between obstructive sleep apnea and A-fib than any other risk factor.
A list of further potential A-fib causes includes:
- certain medical procedures
- exercise
Guidelines For Afib And Caffeine Intake
If you are someone who enjoys foods and beverages containing caffeine on a regular basis, continuing consumption will not likely trigger an episode of AFib if you monitor your intake and make wise choices .
- Cut out or abstain from caffeine if you have a history of sensitivity to it.
- Keep your consumption to a moderate and consistent amount, as increasing your intake could lead to an AFib episode.
- Make sure to always read labels on any over-the-counter cold medications or pain relievers if you have a history of adverse reactions to.
Considerations
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Can Your Love For Coffee Give You A Longer Life
For many years, we’ve believed caffeine consumption can cause heart problems. But several studies popping up lately say that this is actually not the case.
Experts at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, a medical research facility in Melbourne, revealed that drinking three cups of coffee a day could actually help to protect from deadly heart problems, specifically Atrial Fibrillation . This condition causes the heart to beat fast or skip beats, which can lead to strokes if not treated.
The research institute analysed a series of studies and monitored the impact of caffeine consumption on atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. According to their findings, one cup of coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine. Once this enters our body, it stops the effects of adenosine – a chemical that can increase the risk of Atrial Fibrillation.
The studies involved a large number of participants and the results show there was a decrease in abnormal heart rhythms as caffeine consumption increased. One study comprising 228,465 people revealed that the risk of AFib went down by 6% in regular coffee drinkers. Another one with 115,993 people showed a 13% risk reduction. Also, in a randomised study, 103 heart attack patients showed a good heart rate with no significant arrhythmias after being given 353 mg of caffeine a day.
YOUR DAILY CAFFEINE HABIT CAN INCREASE YOUR CHANCES FOR A LONGER LIFE
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Can You Be Active With Atrial Fibrillation
Absolutely! The goal with all of my atrial fibrillation patients is to help them be as active as they possibly can. Indeed, studies show that the more physically active you are, the better you feel, the less atrial fibrillation you will have, and the less you will weigh.
Of course, until your atrial fibrillation is under control, your doctor may not want you to be that active. The reason for this is that until things are under control, your heart might go dangerously fast with atrial fibrillation. However, with the right treatment, you should be back to full activity within a few weeks.
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Responses To The Role Of Coffee In Atrial Fibrillation
I am an herbalist who is experiencing Afib, the butterfly symptoms, and was watching to see if it increased with coffee. That is how I found this dicussion. But I wanted to comment on something above regarding pesticides. The caffeine itself in the coffee beans and tea leaves, etc., are the actual pesticide. Caffeine in a plant or fruit of the plant, whatever bulb it bares, may contain caffeine as a natural pesticide for bugs to ensure the plants survival. So it is a bit of botany that I wanted to explain. Organic means it was not fed and additional pesticide by man but caffeine is a natural pesticide the plant grows. So organic does not mean uncaffinated. It only means it is not fed chemicals but may still have a pesticide in it called caffeine. I just wanted to share some interesting knowledge.
I m an older American who has had A Fib for ten years. It started when after driving many miles, I got nto my daughters Halloween candyyes, some chocolate! Fatigue combined with caffine. I ended up in the hospital.
After many years, ex[erimenting with several drugs, and several more trips to the hospital, I know that both coffee and even noncaffinated beverages are not good for me. Yes, I drink a glass of wine each night, but if I am quite fatigued, wine can be a trigger!
We have to do investigate what we are doing, which helps cause it. Life without coffee and wine, is better than the suffering..I guess.
Do you find that with drinking tea?
Energy Drinks And Atrial Fibrillation
In 2012 the Food and Drug Administration investigated the energy drinks that contained caffeine, due to alert on safety. Several types of these caffeinated drinks were linked to unexpected death in young and healthy subjects Energy drinks are a group of beverages, available to general public, used to provide boost in energy, maintain wakefulness, provide alertness, and promote cognitive and mood enhancement.
Energy drinks are the most popular dietary supplement in the American adolescent and young adult. About 6% of young men in United States report to consume ED daily.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition published a position paper on Energy drinks that analyzed effects of ED on exercise performance, and explore the safety of these beverages.
Energy drinks contain caffeine and often other substances such as guarana , gingko biloba, taurine and carbohydrates. Interestingly ED that contain natural ingredients such as gingko so that manufacturers of these products are not required to include the caffeine content of these herbal supplements in the nutritional information.
The guarana plant and berry has one of the highest naturally occurring levels of caffeine, and there are also traces of theophylline and theobromine. Instead of referring to caffeine, many companies and websites market their products using the term âguaranineâ when describing the active ingredient.
Safety concern comes from isolated case report that has not established a direct link.
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Whats Risky About Afib
AFib may cause no symptoms. But symptoms like a pounding or skipping heartbeat, chest pain, or dizziness can happen and are often related to a reduction in the amount of blood the heart pumps out. These symptoms may go away on their own or get better when you take medicine. These episodes may happen more often, with symptoms that may last longer.
AFib can become more persistent over time. It can lead to risks such as:
- An abnormal heart rhythm. On its own, this may not be life-threatening. But it can cause serious complications if untreated.
- Blood clots. When your heart doesnât beat strongly enough, your blood slows down and pools. Clumps called clots form in the pooled blood. A blood clot can block the flow of blood to your organs. A blockage to your brain can cause a stroke. The chance of having a stroke is about four times higher in people with AFib than in those without this condition.
- Heart failure. Over time, your heart can get so weak that it canât pump out enough blood to meet your bodyâs needs. This is called heart failure.
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Are Alcohol And Caffeine Triggers That Can Cause A
Many health experts believe there is a connection between caffeine, alcohol, and A-fib, and that either substance can trigger an attack. However, researchers are still investigating the specific causes.
Many factors identified as possible triggers for A-fib may work alone or together to cause the condition. This makes it difficult to establish what is or is not a trigger.
As a result, it is also hard to work out how much coffee or alcohol could trigger an episode of A-fib.
Alcohol is a known trigger for a specific form of A-fib known as holiday heart syndrome . HHS is the sudden appearance of A-fib in individuals who are otherwise healthy, but who recently took part in binge drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define binge drinking as more than five drinks for men and four drinks for women in a 2-hour period.
Researchers have noticed these cases are more frequent after weekends and holidays linked with increased alcohol use, which is how HHS got its name.
In addition, some studies have found a connection between the risk of A-fib and chronic, alcohol use. A connection was not found for moderate drinkers.
A 2005 study exploring caffeine use in Scandinavia did not find any connection between A-fib and caffeine use.
The scientific community is divided on whether or not people with A-fib can consume alcohol or caffeine safely.
The American Heart Association advise individuals with A-fib to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine.
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