Can Caffeine Affect My Risk Of Developing An Abnormal Heart Rhythm?

Dr. Haines answers the question: 'Caffeine And Abnormal Heart Rhythm Risk?'

ByABC News
November 18, 2008, 2:12 PM

— -- Question: Can caffeine affect my risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm?

Answer :The first thing that most of my patients do when they feel symptoms of arrhythmia is to cut caffeine out from their diet. Now clearly, caffeine can worsen symptoms of palpitations and symptoms associated with rhythms like atrial fibrillation. But despite many studies looking at the effects of caffeine on heart disease and heart rhythm disorders, there hasn't been a clear link established.