Cold drink, hot consequences: iced refreshments can cause heart rhythm disturbances

According to the study, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, this is the first study to specifically examine the effects of cold foods and drinks on the electrical function of the heart. Kaiser Permanente researchers collected the experiences of 101 patients with atrial fibrillation who reported that their symptoms occurred after consuming ice-cold water, ice cream or other chilled foods.

Iced tea, ice cream, cocktails – can trigger heart arrhythmia

Half of the participants reported that the heart arrhythmia occurred only after consuming cold foods or drinks, while others experienced the phenomenon regardless of this. The most common triggers included ice water, milk, yogurt, smoothies and ice cream – especially when consumed after exercise.

According to the research, symptoms most often appeared a few seconds or minutes after consumption. However, nearly 97 percent of the participants said that they did not always experience atrial fibrillation after consuming a cold drink, so the phenomenon is unpredictable.

Solution: avoid, warm up, slow down

86.4 percent of the respondents reported that avoiding cold foods and drinks significantly alleviated their symptoms or eliminated them completely. Several people have also mentioned that eating more slowly, avoiding straws, and drinking beverages at room temperature have also helped prevent episodes.

According to Dr. David Vinson, an emergency room physician and the lead author of the study, patients have been reporting similar complaints for decades, but little attention has been paid to this possible connection. Now, however, based on experience, it appears that a rare but real physiological reaction does indeed exist.