Emerald Coast Heart & AFib
At Emerald Coast Heart & AFib, we believe that heart health is about more than just medications and procedures. It’s about daily choices, lifestyle, and empowerment. Lets dive deeper into key topics that matter most to our patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Can I still drink coffee if I have AFib?
For most people with AFib, the answer is yes. Despite early concerns, multiple large studies have shown that moderate caffeine intake does not increase the risk of developing AFib or triggering episodes. In fact, some data suggest it may offer mild protective effects.
What the research shows: A 2015 meta-analysis of over 200,000 participants showed no increased risk of AFib with caffeine consumption. Up to 300–400 mg/day of caffeine (about 2–4 cups of coffee) throughout the day is considered safe for most adults.
What to watch for: Some individuals are more sensitive. If caffeine triggers symptoms (palpitations, anxiety), reduce or eliminate intake.
Most people with AFib can continue enjoying moderate coffee or tea. Monitor how your body responds.
Energy drinks are not safe for people with AFib.
Unlike coffee or tea, energy drinks are loaded with high doses of caffeine, stimulants like taurine, and added sugars. These ingredients can trigger dangerous arrhythmias.
What makes energy drinks risky:
Studies and reports:
Multiple case reports have linked energy drinks to AFib, even in healthy young adults. A 2014 study found increased electrical instability in the heart post-consumption.
Skip the energy drinks. Choose water, electrolyte drinks, herbal tea, coffee or a walk to re-energize safely.
A beer or maybe 2 is ok, a six pack is not.
A glass of wine is fine, a bottle is not.
The same goes for coffee. “A cup or two is ok, a pot is not.
Alcohol is a common and potent trigger for AFib.
Even moderate alcohol use has been associated with an increased risk of both developing and worsening atrial fibrillation.
What the research says:
One standard drink per day can increase AFib recurrence
Episodes often occur after binge drinking (“Holiday Heart Syndrome”)
Stopping alcohol can reduce AFib burden and improve rhythm outcomes
Safe levels (if any):
Men: No more than 1–2 drinks/day
Women: No more than 1 drink/day
Pay attention to your body: if even one drink is triggering episodes then abstinence is best. Some hearts are very sensitive to alcohol.
Takeaway: If you’ve been struggling with AFib, cutting back—or cutting out—alcohol can lead to major improvements.
OSA occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. This leads to oxygen drops, stress hormone surges, and inflammation—all of which are linked to the development and progression of AFib.
Why it matters: Up to 50% of patients with AFib have undiagnosed sleep apnea. Treating OSA with CPAP therapy improves success rates of cardioversion, medication, and ablation.
Next steps: A sleep study is a convenient way to diagnose OSA. Treatment can dramatically improve rhythm control and energy levels. Although Emerald Coast Heart and AFib does not perform sleep studies, we can facilitate and expedite your sleep study experience.
Takeaway: If you have AFib, a sleep study is one of the most important things you can do for your heart.
Loud snoring
Excessive daytime fatigue
Morning headaches
High blood pressure
Small changes make a big difference.
AFib is often driven by modifiable risk factors like weight, alcohol, sleep, and high blood pressure. Lifestyle change is not just complementary—it’s foundational.
Key areas to focus on:
Weight loss: Losing even 10% of body weight can cut AFib burden in half.
Blood pressure control: Target an average blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. Everybody has peaks and valleys on blood pressure readings – the average is what is the long-term key so keep a log or journal.
Alcohol moderation or elimination
Treatment of sleep apnea
Regular physical activity
Takeaway: Lifestyle modifications aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress—and even small improvements help stabilize heart rhythm.
What types of exercise are best?
Moderate aerobic activity: walking, biking, swimming, elliptical, stationary bicycle
Schedule: 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week, if trying to lose weight – 40-60 minutes/session
Strength training: 2x per week
What to avoid:
Sudden, high-intensity workouts if unconditioned
Dehydration
Excessive endurance training without recovery
Tips for success: Don’t obsess about heart rate, feel your exertion level and commit to pushing yourself a little more every time. You are important, make it a priority in your lifestyle. If you’re looking for additional accountability, enroll in classes or walk with a friend or spouse. Start slow and build on it, especially after procedures; discuss with your physician if unsure about limitations.
Takeaway: Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for AFib control. Start moving, and keep it consistent.
Emotional stress is a real trigger for AFib.
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation. Chronic stress can contribute to both AFib episodes and progression. It is impossible to avoid stress in life, the goal is to respond better to it and add things like exercise to your day that bring the overall stress levels down.
Managing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it. It means learning to work with it. Your heart will thank you.
Proven techniques to reduce stress (choose what works for you):
Daily routines matter:
Each of these areas can have a profound impact on your heart health and quality of life. At Emerald Coast Heart & AFib, we’re here to guide you step by step. Let us know where you’d like support, and let’s take the next step together.
