An evaluation of the change in electrocardiographic P-wave variables after acute caffeine ingestion in normal volunteers

Authors: Caron, M. F.¹; Song, J.¹; Ammar, R.¹; Kluger, J.²; White, C. M.¹

Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 26, Number 2, April 2001 , pp. 145-148(4)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Background: Caffeine's effect on supraventricular dysrhythmias is poorly understood, and establishing a marker to predict atrial fibrillation may help to explain supraventricular dysrhythmias caused by caffeine.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of caffeine (mean 6·1 mg/kg) on maximum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion in normal volunteers.

Method: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 10 healthy volunteers at least 17 years of age at the University of Connecticut. Participants abstained from caffeinated products for at least 2 days before study initiation and were randomly allocated on different days to receive placebo or caffeine 400 mg. For each of the study phases, a baseline 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed and a subsequent 12-lead ECG was performed 3 h after ingesting the study drug.

Results: No significant changes were found within intra- or intergroup comparisons for any P-wave variables measured.

Conclusions: Single dose caffeine (400 mg) does not affect average P-wave duration, maximum P-wave duration or P-wave dispersion in normal individuals.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; caffeine; p-wave; variables

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00336.x

Affiliations: 1: University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs and Farmington, CT, U.S.A. 2: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Storrs and Farmington, CT, U.S.A.

Publication date: 2001-04-01