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

Join podcast host Takanori Yamaguchi, MD, PhD, and his guests Koichi Magashina, MD, PhD, and Michifumi Tokuda, MD, PhD for this week's Lead episode. This episode was recorded LIVE at APHRS 2025 in Yokohama, Japan. This episode is recorded entirely in Japanese.


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

Takanori Yamaguchi, MD, PhD
Koichi Magashina, MD, PhD
Michifumi Tokuda, MD, PhD

Link to article

Host and Contributor Disclosure(s):

T. Yamaguchi

• Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Abbott Japan, Japan Medtronic, Inc., Daiichi Sankyo, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical, Japan, Nihon Kohden, Japan Lifeline, Novartis

K. Nagashina

Nothing to disclose

M. Tokuda

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Medtronic Japan

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.