High Caffeine Consumption Linked to Arrhythmias

[Edit]

Coffee is the most widely consumed behaviorally active substance in the world. It's composed of several hundred compounds including antioxidants, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds and alkaloids. However, caffeine has been the only substance to have effects on the cardiovascular system. Though acute and chronic caffeine consumption can have minor negative health consequences, high levels of caffeine intake has been linked to ventricular arrhythmias.

Researchers from the University of Modena, Italy administered a food frequency questionnaire and an interview to a sample population of patients with and without arrhythmias. Interviewers investigated coffee consumption in addition to other sources of caffeine such as soda, chocolate and tea. Coffee intake was specifically estimated according to the type coffee consumed, number of cups of espresso, cappuccino, decaffeinated, and American coffee.

The findings of the interviews include:

The estimated intake of total antioxidants from food was lower in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Patients with atrial fibrillation had a higher consumption of antioxidants from coffee compared to other sources.
Patients with atrial fibrillation had higher intake of caffeine compared to the control group
Patients consuming a high intake of caffeine and coffee were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation.

Researchers found the antioxidant intake from coffee to be higher than the intake from fruits and vegetables. Several epidemiological studies suggest that coffee may contain several bioactive antioxidants – some which may be beneficial while others may pose an increased risk of disease.

Arrhythmias are abnormal change in pattern or speed of heart beat rhythm. During exercise or sleep the heart rate changes to accommodate the actions of the body. But the random heart beat fluctuations present in arrhythmias indicate that there are changes and possibly diseases in the heart.

Disclaimer