Cold food and drinks have long been claimed by people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) to cause episodes of irregular or rapid heart rhythms, but until recently clinicians have ignored these reports. A recent study of patients with atrial fibrillation explores the scope of the “cold drink heart” issue.
The most recent survey by Kaiser Permanente to be the first of its kind to shed some light on the experiences of people with AFib that is triggered by cold foods and drinks.
Regular contractions and relaxations of the heart muscle characterize a normal heartbeat. Blood pools instead of being pushed out in atrial fibrillation (AFib) due to irregular heartbeats in the upper chambers (the atria). Problems like heart failure, stroke, and blood clots might result from this.
Dr. Randy Gould, a cardiologist at Manhattan Cardiology in New York City who was not involved in the new survey, believes that cold foods and drinks can cause AFib episodes because the esophagus is so close to the heart: “It is possible that when cold substances pass through [the esophagus], this stimulates the vagus nerve, causing a change in someone’s heart rhythm, leading to atrial fibrillation.” Read the full article.