Cocoa and Cardiac Rhythm: an Arrhythmogenic Trigger in Dietetic Chocolate Abuse?

The link between arrhythmias and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and alcohol consumption, is well-established; while coffee, tea, chocolate, and excessive energy drink consumption appear to be potential harmful in patients with rhythm disorders. However most nutritional recommendations are based on observational studies, still representing a fertile area for further research. This article provides a review of the association between cardiac arrhythmias and cocoa dietary patterns and components, thus discussing potentially related mechanisms.