I am a long-term myeloma survivor. One of my long-term side effects is chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy and chronic atrial fibrillation. Because my heart health is an issue, I research all things coffee. I want to make sure I can’t still enjoy my morning joe.
According to the research linked and excerpted below,
- In fact, evidence suggests that coffee consumption tends to reduce the risk for AF in a dose-response relationship
- Similarly, coffee consumption is not associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events in the general population or among patients with a history of hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease…
More and more studies cite coffee and caffeine as not only NOT be bad for heart health and my chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy but may be GOOD for heart health.

man hand holding his nutritional supplemets, healthy lifestyle background.
I have been able to manage my chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy since my diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy in 2010 through evidence-based non-conventional heart health therapies.
What are some evidence-based non-conventional heart health therapies?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
- Evidence: Omega-3s, especially EPA and DHA found in fish oil, have been widely studied for their cardiovascular benefits. They can reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory effects, all of which are important for heart health.
- How It Helps: Omega-3s help in lowering the risk of arrhythmias, reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function.
- Source: Fish (like salmon, mackerel) or supplements.
- Research: Multiple large-scale studies have shown benefits, including a reduction in cardiovascular events with omega-3 supplementation.
2. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Evidence: CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is naturally produced by the body and helps in energy production within cells. Its levels decline with age and in people with heart disease.
- How It Helps: It may improve symptoms in patients with heart failure, enhance endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress.
- Research: Studies have shown improvements in heart failure symptoms and overall quality of life in those supplementing with CoQ10, particularly in heart failure patients.
3. Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Evidence: Stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Mindfulness and meditation help in reducing stress and improving heart health.
- How It Helps: Regular meditation has been linked to reduced blood pressure, lower heart rate, and improved vascular function.
- Research: A 2012 meta-analysis of controlled trials found that transcendental meditation significantly reduced blood pressure, anxiety, and stress, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
4. Garlic Supplements
- Evidence: Garlic has been used traditionally for cardiovascular health, and some studies suggest that it can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- How It Helps: It may reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol profiles, particularly in those with hypertension or high cholesterol.
- Research: Meta-analyses of randomized trials have shown that garlic supplements can reduce blood pressure by about 10 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic.
5. Acupuncture
- Evidence: Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and may offer benefits for heart health.
- How It Helps: Some studies suggest it can help with heart rate variability (a marker of heart health), reduce blood pressure, and relieve angina.
- Research: Clinical trials have shown reductions in blood pressure and improvements in circulation, particularly when used as an adjunct to conventional care.
6. Plant Sterols and Stanols
- Evidence: Plant sterols and stanols are substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
- How It Helps: They can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Source: These are commonly found in fortified foods like margarine and orange juice.
- Research: Multiple studies, including randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated that regular intake of plant sterols/stanols can reduce LDL cholesterol by 6-15%.
7. Red Yeast Rice
- Evidence: Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine that contains compounds similar to statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).
- How It Helps: It may lower LDL cholesterol and improve lipid profiles in people with hypercholesterolemia.
- Research: Several studies have confirmed its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels, although care should be taken due to possible side effects.
8. Hawthorn Extract
- Evidence: Hawthorn is a plant that has been used traditionally for heart-related conditions. It is believed to improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen the heart muscle.
- How It Helps: May be beneficial for those with heart failure by improving circulation and reducing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Research: Clinical trials have shown that hawthorn extract can improve symptoms of heart failure and overall cardiac performance.
9. Policosanol
- Evidence: Policosanol is a mixture of alcohols derived from plant waxes, particularly sugar cane, and has been studied for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
- How It Helps: It may reduce LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, improving the overall lipid profile.
- Research: While some studies show promise, the results are mixed, and more research is needed to fully endorse it as a therapy.
10. Green Tea (EGCG)
- Evidence: Green tea is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG, which are potent antioxidants. These compounds are linked to a variety of heart health benefits.
- How It Helps: Green tea may lower LDL cholesterol, improve endothelial function, and help reduce blood pressure.
- Research: Epidemiological studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea is associated with reduced heart disease risk, and controlled trials have found improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you have any type of cardiovascular disease or chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, I encourage you to talk to your cardiologist about taking a complementary approach to managing your heart.
I will continue to enjoy my morning cups of coffee. Strong coffee. If you have any questions about non-conventional heart health therapies email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
Good luck,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
“Coffee and tea are among the plants that are highest in caffeine. Their use as beverages makes caffeine the most consumed psychoactive agent in the world. Coffee is commonly used to increase alertness and work productivity…
The caffeine content varies with the type of drink: It is high in coffee, energy drinks, and caffeine tablets; intermediate in tea; and low in soft drinks. Coffee is the predominant source of the caffeine ingested by adults. The evidence for caffeine’s effects on people is ambiguous, and some risks and benefits deserve special attention because of the impact they may have on our health…
Caffeine is a methylxanthine that is completely absorbed 45 minutes after ingestion, peaking between 15 minutes and 2 hours…
Caffeine clearance can be slowed by several classes of drugs (eg, quinolones, cardiovascular drugs, bronchodilators, and antidepressants) that increase its half-life because they are metabolized by the same liver enzymes…
Caffeine passes the blood-brain barrier and, having an adenosine-like structure, inhibits adenosine’s effects by binding to adenosine receptors. In the brain, caffeine reduces fatigue, increases alertness, reduces reaction times, may reduce the risk for depression, and increases the effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treating headaches and other types of pain…
Considering the very high prevalence of arterial hypertension worldwide (31.1% of adults), many questions have been raised about the influence of coffee consumption on blood pressure (BP) and the risk for arterial hypertension. Administration of 200-300 mg caffeine is shown to induce a mean increase of 8.1 mm Hg systolic BP and 5.7 mm Hg diastolic BP. The increase is observed in the first hour after caffeine intake and lasts no longer than 3 hours.
Yet, the moderate and usual consumption of coffee does not increase, but may even reduce, the risk of developing high BP. In contrast, occasional coffee consumption can have hypertensive effects, and moderate and usual consumption in patients with high BP does not appear to increase the risk for uncontrolled BP and can reduce the risk for death from any cause. The inverse association between coffee consumption and hypertension risk was confirmed in a review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and cohort studies…
Experimental and cohort studies have not shown an association between coffee consumption and atrial fibrillation (AF). In fact, evidence suggests that coffee consumption tends to reduce the risk for AF in a dose-response relationship. Similarly, coffee consumption is not associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events in the general population or among patients with a history of hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease…
chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy