Further analysis showed that caffeine from any source appeared to be associated with decreased heart failure risk, and that caffeine played at least some role in coffee’s apparent heart benefit, according to the authors.
“While unable to prove causality, it is intriguing that these three studies suggest that drinking coffee is associated with a decreased risk of heart failure and that coffee can be part of a healthy dietary pattern if consumed plain, without added sugar and high fat dairy products such as cream,” said Penny Kris-Etherton, immediate past chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Council Leadership Committee.
“The bottom line: enjoy coffee in moderation as part of an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern that meets recommendations for fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat/nonfat dairy products, and that also is low in sodium, saturated fat and added sugars,” Kris-Etherton advised in the release.
“Also, it is important to be mindful that caffeine is a stimulant and consuming too much may be problematic — causing jitteriness and sleep problems,” she added.
Two other heart specialists — both unconnected to the new study — weighed in on the findings.
Dr. Michael Goyfman directs clinical cardiology at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in New York City. He said the study had a few flaws.
“Coffee intake was self-reported, and thus prone to many inaccuracies,” Goyfman noted. “Furthermore, the amount of coffee was not standardized. Does one cup mean 8 ounces of coffee, or 20 ounces?”
He pointed out that prior studies have shown that too much coffee was tied to a “stiffening” of a key part of the heart’s aorta. On the other hand, numerous studies have shown that America’s favorite morning brew appears linked to a lowered odds for Parkinson’s disease.
So, “until further studies are performed to directly address this question, I would recommend for patients to use common sense with respect to their coffee consumption and to consult with their physician regarding specific intake limits,” Goyfman said.
Dr. Guy Mintz directs cardiovascular health at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.
He largely agreed with Goyfman, saying the new findings show “an interesting association” but are not strong enough to warrant any recommendation to support upping your coffee intake.
Mintz noted that there are different types of heart failure, so “what type of heart failure does caffeine affect?” he asked.
“Caffeinated coffee in moderation can be part of a heart healthy diet without deleterious effects,” he said, but beyond that, the new study is merely “a starting point” for further investigation.
“Patients who do not drink coffee should not start,” Mintz believes, “and patients should certainly not start consuming supplements with caffeine such as 5-Hour Energy or Red Bull, etc., to reduce their risk of heart failure.”
In the meantime, he said, “the research and the story need to continue.”
More information
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a guide to a healthy heart
