Caffeine use does not increase the risk of arrhythmia in patients with heart failure
According to a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, caffeine does not increase the risk of arrhythmia in patients with heart failure.
Thus, this study challenges the thesis that patients with heart disease and risk of arrhythmia should limit the consumption of coffee.
There are two main types of arrhythmias: tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and bradycardia (slow heartbeat). In some cases, arrhythmia can be life-threatening pathology. For example, the lack of sufficient blood flow can damage vital organs, including the brain or the heart.
In a previous study, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (University of California-San Francisco), USA, found that regular consumption of caffeine is not associated with arrhythmia. However, the question of whether the use of caffeine trigger arrhythmias remains unresolved and is surrounded by disputes. Clinicians and experts in the field of health often advise patients with cardiovascular disease with increased risk of arrhythmias limit the use of caffeine, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support this recommendation.
In the new study, the researchers analyzed the relationship between arrhythmia and caffeine intake if you have problems with the heart. This study involved 51 patients with heart failure. Study participants were randomized to either of 2 groups: 25 persons — drinking caffeine in powder form, dissolved in decaffeinated coffee, 26 — used the powder of lactose, dissolved in decaffeinated coffee (control group). Participants in both groups consumed their drinks at intervals of 1 h for 5 h, using a total of up to 500 mg of caffeine or placebo, equivalent to about 150 ml of coffee.
The results of the study showed no relationship between caffeine intake and episodes of arrhythmia, even during the treadmill test which the participants took place after 1 h after consuming the last drink of caffeine or a placebo.
Scientists admit that the results obtained may be influenced by the fact that about half of the patients drank coffee regularly throughout life, although such an impact is unlikely. However, researchers cannot guarantee that the use of high doses of caffeine over a long period will not contribute to the development of arrhythmia in patients with heart failure, so more research is needed in this area.
