·      Moderate consumption of coffee per day is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality^1-5.

·      A significant protective effect of coffee consumption on CVD^1-5, hypertension^6-8 and atrial fibrillation risk^9-12, from 3 cups per day.

·      Coffee has been identified as providing ‘favourable effects’ by both the European Society of Hypertension(ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC)^13,14.

3 October 2022 - A new report conducted by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), and reviewed by Professor Kjeld Hermansen, Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University, Denmark, assesses the latest research into the potential role of coffee consumption in reducing the risk of CVD.

CVD is the leading cause of death in Europe,with more than 11 million new cases being diagnosed per year¹⁵. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and raised blood cholesterol levels are all key risk factors for CVD. Other risk factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes have also increased considerably in recent years¹⁵. This report investigates the growing body of literature exploring the effect of coffee consumption on CVD, and how an everyday pleasure can potentially play a role in reducing risk¹⁵.

Findings reveal some significant health benefits and a potential protective effect of coffee on CVD risk and CVD mortality risk, with the greatest benefits observed with 3 cups per day^1,2.  

Key research findings include:

·      The largest relative risk reduction for CVD mortality and all-cause mortality with 3- cups per day vs.none. Notably, a decreased risk of stroke incidences was also observed⁵.

·      A significant protective effect of coffee consumption on hypertension^6-8 and atrial fibrillation risk^9-12,starting from 3 cups per day.

·      A significant reduction of incidences in cerebrovascular events, heart failure and arrythmias in men¹⁶.

Key clinical updates from professional societies include:

·      Revised 2021 guidelines on CVD prevention in clinical practice from The European Society of Cardiology (ESC),including for the first time, the use of coffee, stating that ‘moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups per day) is probably not harmful, perhaps even moderately beneficial’¹⁴.

·      Revised 2022 positioning statement from The European Society of Hypertension (ESH) on nutraceuticals and blood pressure,stating that antioxidant rich beverages (such as coffee and tea) could be considered as being potentially useful choices in supporting healthy blood pressures¹³.

Professor Kjeld Hermansen, concludes that “Drinking moderate amounts of coffee is not only associated with a lower risk of heart disease but also with living longer. These trends hold true for both people with and without cardiovascular disease. Coffee beans have over 100 biologically active compounds. These substances may help reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism. The exact mechanisms of action in relation to CVD is, however, still not clarified.”

To read the full report, titled “Coffee and cardiovascular disease” click here.

-ENDS-

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Notes to editors

·       Moderate coffee consumption can be defined as 3–5 cups per day, based on the European Food Safety Authority’s review of caffeine safety¹⁷.

·       ISIC press office team contact information: isic.kaizo@kaizo.co.uk.  

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