Coffee May Stop the Occurrence of Irregular Heartbeats, Research Says

(Photo : Pexels)
Coffee is said to be rich in polyphenols, a combination of plants filled with antioxidants that, according to a study, 'have been associated with cell function in both the blood vessels and the heart.'

Despite prior worries, health experts have concluded that coffee is safe for patients experiencing abnormal heartbeat and rhythm. This was based on a study of all pieces of evidence available. 

In the research presented, as part of an online meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society, researchers looked at data on over 350 participants in the United Kingdom, Biobank, an initiative that gathered information on roughly 500,000 people aged 40 to 69 years old for four years.

For their parts, respondents provided samples of their urine, blood, and saliva regularly and all other details about their medical backgrounds, eating habits, and regular physical activities.

Authors have looked into the effect of coffee in the irregularity of the heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia episodes, which take place when the heartbeat's rhythm gets affected and results in severe complications such as blood clots. They noted that the intake of coffee--with a maximum of four cups per day--was linked to lower occurrence of arrhythmia. 

This was according to Eunjeong Kim, M.D., lead researcher and clinical fellow of medicine at the University of California in San Francisco.

ALSO READ: Chocolate Cake for Breakfast to Lose Weight? Here's What You Need to Know

Regularly Drinking Moderate Amounts of Coffee is Not Harmful

The lead researcher said the main message of their study is that it does not appear dangerous to continue drinking moderate amounts of coffee when it comes to "arrhythmia risk."

The study suggests that the sweetest spot to lower such risk appeared to be about one to two cups of coffee, and five cups when the risks begin leveling out.

Therefore, a few cups, the research indicated, are protective, although more is not at all times, better. Still, Kim added that consuming as many as six cups of coffee a day had a lower occurrence of arrhythmic episodes.

The health expert also stated that it is essential that one keeps in mind that their research is observational, and the findings are correlatives. Meaning, researchers did not prove coffee can lead to better heart function.

That said, Kim said their research adds to others presenting the probable benefits of caffeine, particularly coffee.

DON'T MISS THIS: Vitamin K May Help Improve Heart Health and Increase Longevity, New Research Suggests

Coffee Increasing Palpitations not Proven

For instance, in a study conducted in 2011, it was noted that physicians frequently advised their patients with arrhythmia to avoid caffeinated beverages, specifically coffee, believing that it could increase heart palpitations. However, the said experiments presented no proof of that impact.

Like recent research, this particular study concluded that the total intake of caffeine was linked to a lower risk of arrhythmia. 

Another research conducted with nearly 20,000 participating individuals showed as well, a statistically substantial drop in the occurrence of an arrhythmia with nine years for those who consumed up to three cups of caffeinated coffee every day.

While Kim and her team of researchers did not explore what exactly is the reason for the said finding, coffee is said to be rich in polyphenols, the combination of plants filled with antioxidants that, according to their study, have been associated with cell function in both the blood vessels and the heart.

In turn, this can reportedly combat other heart conditions like stroke. The researchers also clarified that their "java habit" is more likely to jumpstart their energy levels than their hearts.

IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS: Starting Your Lazy Keto Diet? Here are 3 Things You Need to Know