Exploring the Surprising Link Between Cold Drinks and Irregular Heartbeats
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day—but what if that frosty lemonade or iced tea could actually trigger a heart rhythm disorder?
For some individuals living with atrial fibrillation (Afib), that may be exactly what’s happening. A recent survey, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, has identified a surprising trend—cold beverages may act as a trigger for irregular heartbeats in people with Afib, a condition that affects millions of Americans.
🫀 What Is “Cold Drink Heart” (CDH)?
Researchers are calling it “Cold Drink Heart” (CDH)—a phenomenon where ingesting icy beverages appears to prompt episodes of Afib in certain people. The study revealed that:
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A significant number of Afib patients noticed their symptoms occurred shortly after drinking cold beverages.
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Half of those who identified cold drinks as a trigger eliminated Afib episodes by avoiding cold drinks and foods.
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Others found relief through small adjustments: letting drinks warm up, skipping straws, and avoiding rapid gulping.
🔬 Why Does This Happen?
Dr. Grant Simons, Chief of Heart Rhythm Services at Hackensack University Medical Center, explained:
“While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it’s likely related to the vagus nerve, which helps regulate heart rate. Sudden exposure to cold temperatures in the throat may overstimulate the nerve, leading to rhythm disturbances in some people.”
Dr. Simons emphasized that not everyone with Afib is sensitive to cold drinks, but if you suspect a link, it’s worth discussing with your cardiologist.
🩺 Real Patient Experiences — But Rare
Simons noted that while the connection is real for some patients, cases of cold beverage-triggered Afib are rare in clinical practice. Still, the impact can be significant for those affected.
Dr. Riple Hansalia, Director of Electrophysiology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, advises patients to trust their instincts:
“The vast majority of patients don’t experience clear triggers for Afib, but some do. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s an irregular heartbeat or another unusual symptom—it’s important to seek medical attention.”
✅ What You Can Do
If you have Afib and notice symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness after drinking something cold, consider these tips:
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Let cold beverages sit for a few minutes before sipping.
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Avoid using straws, which can intensify the cold sensation.
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Take small sips instead of gulping.
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Most importantly, talk to your doctor.
🧊 Takeaway
While the idea of a cold drink triggering a heart arrhythmia may sound far-fetched, this new research sheds light on a real and potentially manageable phenomenon. For some, managing atrial fibrillation may be as simple as adjusting their refreshment routine.
As always, consult your physician before making any changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
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