Cold drinks may trigger irregular heartbeat in some people with Afib

There’s nothing better than an ice cold drink on a hot day but imagine this—you’re enjoying a refreshing iced tea, and suddenly, your heart starts racing erratically. You might think—”maybe its the caffeine”—until it happens again, this time with a lemonade. It may sound strange, but for some people, cold drinks may be to blame for sudden episodes of atrial fibrillation (Afib), a common heart rhythm disorder.

A recent survey sheds light on this phenomenon, dubbed “cold drink heart” (CDH). Researchers found that a surprising number of people with Afib report cold beverages as a trigger for their irregular heartbeats. In fact, for half of the survey participants who identified cold ingestion as an Afib trigger, avoiding cold drinks and foods completely eliminated their episodes. Others found relief by modifying their habits, such as letting drinks warm up, skipping the straw, or avoiding gulping.

So, why might a cold drink send your heart out of rhythm? Dr. Grant Simons, chief of Heart Rhythm Services at Hackensack University Medical Center, offers some insight: “While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it’s likely related to the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating heart rate. The sudden temperature change from a cold drink might stimulate this nerve, leading to changes in heart rhythm in susceptible individuals.”

Dr. Simons adds this is a real phenomenon for some patients, and in his career, he has only occasionally seen patients who have experienced bouts of atrial fibrillation when drinking cold beverages.

“It’s important to remember that not everyone with Afib will experience this trigger. However, if you notice a connection between cold drinks and your Afib episodes, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. Simple lifestyle changes, like avoiding very cold beverages or letting them warm up, could make a significant difference.”

He also cautions, “This doesn’t replace the need for medical evaluation and treatment for Afib. If you experience any symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly.”

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Director of Electrophysiology Riple Hansalia, M.D., also cautions individuals: “The vast majority of patients don’t experience triggers for atrial fibrillation, but some might. The common sense rule always prevails. I tell my patients if you feel like something shouldn’t be happening, you should seek medical attention.”

The survey, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, is the first to systematically explore the link between cold drinks and Afib. While more research is needed, the findings suggest that for some, a simple change in drinking habits could be a key to managing their condition.

Provided by
Hackensack Meridian Health