Drinking several cups of coffee daily could help reduce cognitive decline in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder. This finding comes from a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
For years, many believed that people with AFib should avoid coffee, fearing it might worsen their condition. However, recent research challenges this idea, suggesting coffee might actually benefit brain health.
According to the study’s senior author, Dr. Jürg H. Beer, a professor of medicine and hematology at the University of Zurich, “There’s no need to forbid coffee for AFib patients. In fact, it might even be good for them.”
AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults, affecting over 5 million people in the U.S. It increases the risk of stroke, dementia, and cognitive decline.
While some health professionals have traditionally advised against coffee for people with AFib, evidence supporting this has been lacking.
In 2023, updated guidelines from major U.S. heart health organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA), stated that avoiding coffee does not prevent abnormal heart rhythms in people with AFib.
However, the guidelines noted that cutting back on coffee might help individuals who find caffeine worsens symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.
Coffee has long been associated with better cognitive performance in healthy people. Researchers wanted to see if it could also help people with AFib, who face a higher risk of dementia.
“AFib independently increases dementia risk,” explained lead author Dr. Massimo Barbagallo from the University Hospital Zurich. “We wanted to know if coffee could counteract this risk.”
To investigate, researchers analyzed data from 2,413 adults with AFib who participated in a Swiss study between 2014 and 2017. Participants, averaging 73 years old, completed cognitive tests and reported their coffee consumption over the previous year.
The study did not standardize cup sizes or account for added ingredients like sugar or cream. Researchers also measured inflammation markers, which are linked to both AFib and Alzheimer’s disease.
The results showed a clear connection: people who drank more coffee performed better on cognitive tests. Those who consumed over five cups daily had better attention, faster processing, and improved coordination compared to those who drank less than one cup.
Their cognitive abilities appeared to be nearly seven years “younger” than those of lighter coffee drinkers. Additionally, participants with high coffee intake had significantly lower inflammation levels—more than 20% lower than those who drank little to no coffee.
Dr. Beer emphasized the consistency of these findings. “Higher coffee consumption was strongly linked to better cognitive performance and lower inflammation, even after accounting for factors like age, sex, weight, and lifestyle.”
Scientists believe coffee’s benefits may come from its active ingredients, such as caffeine, magnesium, and vitamin B3.
These compounds could reduce inflammation, which plays a key role in cognitive decline. Previous studies suggest coffee’s protective effects may also stem from its impact on brain chemicals and blood flow.
Despite these promising results, experts caution against viewing coffee as a cure-all.
Dr. José A. Joglar, chair of the 2023 AFib guidelines, noted, “While coffee doesn’t seem to worsen AFib, this study doesn’t prove it prevents long-term cognitive decline or dementia. There’s no need to quit coffee, but we can’t say starting to drink it will prevent cognitive problems.”
For most people with AFib, enjoying coffee in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle. U.S. dietary guidelines recommend up to three to five cups of black coffee daily.
However, it’s important to watch out for high-calorie options like sugary lattes and flavored drinks, which can add extra sugar and fat.
This study adds to growing evidence that coffee, when consumed wisely, may offer more health benefits than risks—even for people with heart rhythm disorders like AFib.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about the protective power of dietary antioxidants against Alzheimer’s, and eating habits linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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