Tren Paper
Effects of Caffeine and Coffee on Cardiovascular Diseases Including High Blood Pressure, Arrythmias & High Cholesterol
Reviewed by Meri Rafetto, RD, Theresa Grumet, RD, and Gerri French, RD, MS, CDE. ©2004 Teeccino Caffé, Inc.
Heart disease is currently the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States and in many other Western countries. Studies show that nine factors contribute to a significant percentage of heart attacks: smoking, abnormal lipoprotein ratios, high blood pressure, diabetes, abdominal obesity, low daily fruit and vegetable consumption, exercise and stress.1 Caffeine and coffee consumption adversely affects a number of these factors which include cholesterol and other lipid levels, homocysteine, blood pressure, arrhythmias and stress levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is an essential fat present in the diet and produced by the body. It is an important component and precursor to steroid hormones, including cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is also useful in the synthesis of Vitamin D. Cholesterol is a sticky substance that can collect on the insides of arteries when in excess. Over time, this buildup can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, reducing the flow of blood to the vital organs, brain and the heart itself. If the heart’s blood supply is cut off, the result is a heart attack, or myocardial infarction. For this reason, high serum cholesterol is a primary factor contributing to the increased risk of heart attacks.2 Both diet and genetics are important factors affecting cholesterol levels. Other lifestyle factors such as exercise, smoking, weight management and coffee drinking all influence cholesterol levels. Experimentally, coffee consumption significantly contributes to variation in levels of total cholesterol.3 Homocysteine: Cholesterol is not the only contributor to increased risk of heart attacks. High levels of
Reviewed by Meri Rafetto, RD, Theresa Grumet, RD, and Gerri French, RD, MS, CDE. ©2004 Teeccino Caffé, Inc.
Heart disease is currently the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States and in many other Western countries. Studies show that nine factors contribute to a significant percentage of heart attacks: smoking, abnormal lipoprotein ratios, high blood pressure, diabetes, abdominal obesity, low daily fruit and vegetable consumption, exercise and stress.1 Caffeine and coffee consumption adversely affects a number of these factors which include cholesterol and other lipid levels, homocysteine, blood pressure, arrhythmias and stress levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol: Cholesterol is an essential fat present in the diet and produced by the body. It is an important component and precursor to steroid hormones, including cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is also useful in the synthesis of Vitamin D. Cholesterol is a sticky substance that can collect on the insides of arteries when in excess. Over time, this buildup can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, reducing the flow of blood to the vital organs, brain and the heart itself. If the heart’s blood supply is cut off, the result is a heart attack, or myocardial infarction. For this reason, high serum cholesterol is a primary factor contributing to the increased risk of heart attacks.2 Both diet and genetics are important factors affecting cholesterol levels. Other lifestyle factors such as exercise, smoking, weight management and coffee drinking all influence cholesterol levels. Experimentally, coffee consumption significantly contributes to variation in levels of total cholesterol.3 Homocysteine: Cholesterol is not the only contributor to increased risk of heart attacks. High levels of
References: Thelle, D.S., Arnesen, E. and Forde, O.H. 1983. The Tromsø heart study. Does coffee raise serum cholesterol? New England Journal of Medicine. 308(24):1454-7. Lochen ML, Rasmussen K. 1996. Palpitations and lifestyle: impact of depression and self-rated health. The Nordland Health Study. Scandinavian journal of social medicine. 24(2):140-4.