The Lead Episode 131: A Discussion of Caffeinated Coffee Consumption or Abstinence to Reduce Atrial Fibrillation: The DECAF Randomized Clinical Trial (English Language Episode)

Join Digital Education Committee Member and podcast host Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, and her guests Eue-Keun Choi, MD, PhD, and Sandeep Prabhu, MBBS, PhD for this week's Lead episode. This episode was recorded LIVE at APHRS 2025 in Yokohama, Japan.


The DECAF trial investigated whether continuing regular caffeinated coffee consumption versus complete abstinence affected the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter in patients after successful cardioversion. Over six months in this randomized study of 200 adults, those who drank at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily had a significantly lower rate of AF or flutter recurrence compared to those who abstained (47% vs. 64%), suggesting moderate coffee intake may be safe and potentially beneficial for rhythm stability in this setting.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate the impact of caffeinated coffee consumption versus abstinence on atrial fibrillation recurrence following cardioversion.

• Interpret the design and key outcomes of the DECAF randomized clinical trial and their relevance to clinical practice.

• Apply the trial findings to patient counseling regarding caffeine intake and atrial fibrillation management.

Article Authors

Christopher X. Wong, MBBS, MPH, PhD; Christopher C. Cheung, MD, MPH; Gabrielle Montenegro, BA, Hannah H. Oo, BS; Isabella J. Peña, BA; Janet J. Tang, MPH, PhD; Samuel J. Tu, MBBS; Grace Wall, BA1; Thomas A. Dewland, MD; Joshua D. Moss, MD; Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD; Zian H. Tseng, MD, MAS; Henry H. Hsia, MD; Randall J. Lee, MD, PhD; Jeffrey E. Olgin, MD; Vasanth Vedantham, MD; Melvin M. Scheinman, MD; Catherine Lee, PhD; Prashanthan Sanders, MBBS, PhD; Gregory M. Marcus, MD, MAS

Podcast Contributors

Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD

Eue-Keun Choi, MD, PhD

Sandeep Prabhu, MBBS, PhD

Link to article

Host and Contributor Disclosure(s):

E.K. Choi

•Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Daiichi •Stock Options, Privately Held: DeepQure •Research: Biosense Webster, Inc., Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corp., Jeil Pharmaceutical Co, Medtronic, Inc., Samjinpharm, Seers Technology, Skylabs, Genome Opinion Inc

S. Prabhu

•Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Biosense Webster •Research: National Health and Medical Research •Fellowship Support: St. Jude Medical Center, Boston Scientific

M. Middeldorp •Nothing to disclose.

Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner):

S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.