Effect of coffee consumption, lifestyle and acute life stress in the development of acute lone atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the relationships between acute stress, lifestyle and coffee consumption, and acute lone atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: The study group included 400 patients with mean age of 54 +/- 11 years, 205 of whom were men. They all presented with a first episode of AF. Patients underwent a series of cognitive tests to evaluate acute psychological stress (mean life acute stress score). Lifestyle and nutritional parameters (diet, alcohol and espresso coffee consumption, smoking and obesity) were investigated. An age-matched and sex-matched control group was selected and compared. RESULTS: Recent stress, high intake of coffee, and obesity were associated with greater risk of AF. Acute stress induces an increase in coffee consumption and changes in lifestyle. The increase in coffee consumption was more marked in nonhabitual drinkers, leading to a higher risk of developing AF [odds ratio (OR) 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98-4.56; P < 0.001]. Spontaneous conversion of AF to sinus rhythm was observed in 191 patients (47%). Patients who experienced AF after an acute stress showed the highest probability of spontaneous conversion. High espresso coffee consumption (OR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.49-1.21; P < 0.01) and obesity (OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-1.20; P < 0.01) were associated with a significantly greater risk of persistent AF. CONCLUSION: Acute stress induced changes in lifestyle, including an increase in coffee consumption, leading to a higher risk of AF. Patients who developed AF after an acute stress showed the highest probability of spontaneous conversion. High espresso coffee consumption and obesity were associated with an increased risk of persistent AF.