By: Karolina Starczak

Sep 04, 2009

Who knew that the best part of waking up can actually cause heart issues? Turns out that drinking a ton of caffeine can actually be a cause of atrial fibrillation, a very common heart arrhythmia. Yikes! Maybe it’s time for a little caffeine withdrawal.

In a recent study done by the European Society of Cardiology, people with a high intake of caffeine (more than 3 cups a day) were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation even if they didn’t have any history of heart problems. According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation is a condition where the upper chambers of the heart actually quiver instead of beating putting people at a higher risk for blood clots. In fact, about 15 percent of strokes that occur in the U.S. happen in people with this condition.

I’m sure most of us are thinking that it’s just the abundance of caffeine that causes the problem, but  coffee actually contains a different type of antioxidants than the kind we get from our fruits and vegetables. While some of the antioxidants found in coffee may be good for our health, there are also a few in there that might cause health problems. Coffee antioxidants actually increase the amount of free radicals and other compounds that promote disease and aging.

Makes you really think twice about those juices and bars with added antioxidants doesn’t it? While giving up coffee entirely is pretty much impossible for most of us, we could all probably cut back a little.

Here are some tips on how to cut back:

• When buying coffee, always order the smallest size. It will help reduce caffeine intake, without taking away trips to your favorite coffee shop in the morning
• Avoid eating large, heavy meals that will make you tired afterward. Try eating smaller meals through the day and not only will it help with energy, but it will give your metabolism a boost as well.
• When that mid afternoon drop in energy comes around, get up and go for a quick walk. Even if it’s just up and down a staircase at work. It will get your blood flowing while burning a few calories.

Would you ever be able to cut back on coffee?

More on Heart Health
Is Exercise a Better Option Than Heart Surgery?
Cut Out The Cornflakes to Reduce Heart Attack Risk
Yo-Yo Dieting and Cardiovascular Disease