Coffee and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

While rigorous longitudinal study of a widely and enthusiastically consumed dietary substance has it challenges, recent exponential growth in the scientific evaluation of coffee consumption has resulted in a clearer appreciation of the link between this common drink and health outcomes. Coffee has complex effects that can vary between individuals depending on both inherited predispositions as well as consumption habits. Despite the common concern and conventional 'wisdom' that coffee can promote various cardiovascular diseases, the available data suggest that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart failure, and even overall mortality. Some exceptions have emerged, including the potentially harmful effects of unfiltered coffee with respect to LDL cholesterol and randomized controlled data demonstrating an acute increase in frequency of premature ventricular contractions with coffee consumption. In many instances, the beneficial effects of coffee appear to be independent of caffeine. Given the ubiquity of coffee consumption and the growing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, translating the latest science into accessible knowledge has the capability to tremendously empower patients and impact global health.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Caffeine; Cardiovascular disease; Coffee; Diabetes; Heart failure; Hypertension; Stroke.