Have Another Cup of Coffee!

Whether drinking coffee causes or prevents cardiovascular disease has been controversial. Some studies point one way, some another. A new research study suggests that the differences may be related to the ages of the drinkers. It’s been reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

People without a history of any cardiovascular disease were recruited and followed for 8-10 years. The amount of coffee-containing beverages, as well as decaffeinated beverages, were assessed by questionnaire, and related to the number of deaths. The researchers found that in people under 65 there was no link between caffeine intake and death rate, but in those over 65 there was, indeed, a clear link; taking more than 4 cups of ‘loaded’ coffee a day was associated with a halving of the cardiovascular death rate. It was clearly dose-dependent; i.e. the more coffee, the lower the risk. There was no protective effect of decaffeinated coffee or sodas.

There seems to be a possible explanation. Elderly people are more likely than younger persons to experience postprandial hypotension – a fall in blood pressure after meals - that shows a relationship with coronary events and mortality. Maybe coffee, which raises blood pressure, prevents this effect? It’s interesting that participants in the study who had high blood pressure didn’t experience this protective effect (because maybe they didn’t need it?).

Anyhow, while you’re digesting these results, why not have another cup? Can’t hurt.