J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol

Cold drinks identified as potent trigger for afib in select patients

June 17, 2025

Study details: A mixed-methods study surveyed 101 patients with self-reported "cold drink heart" (CDH), defined as atrial fibrillation (afib) episodes triggered by cold drinks or foods. Participants were recruited during ED visits for afib or by direct contact, and data were supplemented by chart review. The cohort was predominantly male (75%), with a median age of CDH onset at 44.5 years. Patients were stratified into those with CDH-only afib and those with both CDH and non-CDH afib episodes.

Results: Over half (51.5%) reported afib episodes exclusively after cold ingestion, often with rapid onset and sometimes following recent physical exertion. Avoidance of cold triggers was effective in reducing or eliminating afib episodes in 86.4% of cases, with complete success in CDH-only patients. Notably, 52.4% of respondents reported that clinicians were dismissive of their trigger association.

Clinical impact: CDH represents a poorly recognized but clinically significant afib trigger. Cold trigger avoidance is a highly effective, non-pharmacologic intervention for affected patients, especially those with CDH-only afib.

Source:

DiLena DD; Kaiser Permanente CREST Network, et al. (2025, June 12). J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. Characterizing Patients With Cold Drink-Triggered Atrial Fibrillation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40503820/