A cold drink may trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
For some people with atrial fibrillation (afib), cold drinks or foods can trigger a bout of the rapid, irregular heartbeat that characterizes this disorder. Avoiding those triggers nearly always prevents this little-known phenomenon, dubbed “cold drink heart,” according to a study in the August 2025 issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.
The study was based on a survey of 101 people with afib (three-quarters of them men). More than half said their afib episodes occurred only after ingesting a cold drink or food, usually within one minute. Common culprits included ice water, smoothies, and ice cream.
Swallowing these cold substances may stimulate the esophagus and the nearby vagus nerve, which plays a role in heart rate regulation. Most participants reported that avoiding cold drinks and foods eliminated or greatly reduced the problem.
Image: © Grace Cary/Getty Images
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
