Randomized control trial investigating the influence of coffee on heart rate variability in patients with ST-segment
T Richardson1, J Baker, P W Thomas
1Bournemouth Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, UK. tristan.richardson@rbch.nhs.uk
Insights
Drinking regular coffee after a heart attack (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) significantly boosts parasympathetic activity, improving autonomic function. This study found coffee to be safe for heart attack patients in the short term.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cardiac autonomic dysfunction following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a significant predictor of adverse cardiovascular events.
- Understanding factors that modulate autonomic function post-STEMI is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of regular (caffeinated) coffee consumption on autonomic function in patients recovering from STEMI.
- To assess the safety and impact of coffee ingestion on cardiovascular outcomes in the immediate post-STEMI period.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled double-blind trial involving 103 patients admitted with acute STEMI.
- Participants were assigned to consume either regular (caffeinated) or de-caffeinated coffee.
- Autonomic function was evaluated using heart rate variability (HRV) measurements 5 days post-STEMI.
Main Results:
- Acute coffee ingestion led to a significant increase in parasympathetic activity (up to 96%, P=0.04) by day 5 post-STEMI.
- No adverse effects on cardiac rhythm or detrimental cardiovascular outcomes were observed in the regular coffee group.
Conclusions:
- Coffee consumption appears to enhance parasympathetic autonomic function in the early recovery phase after STEMI.
- Short-term ingestion of regular coffee is safe and well-tolerated in patients with acute STEMI, without immediate negative cardiovascular consequences.
Background:
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction post ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been linked to an excess risk of premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality above those with normal autonomic function post-STEMI.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute ingestion of coffee on autonomic function and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute STEMI.
Design:
Randomized control trial.
Methods:
We randomized 103 patients with acute STEMI, admitted to our Coronary Care Unit, to receive regular coffee (caffeinated) or de-caffeinated coffee using a randomized controlled double-blinded design. Heart rate variability was assessed 5 days post-STEMI to assess the effect of caffeine on autonomic function.
Results:
In the group randomized to regular coffee, parasympathetic activity increased by up to 96% (P = 0.04) after 5 days. There was no detrimental effect of regular coffee on cardiac rhythm post-STEMI.
Conclusion:
Coffee ingestion is associated with an increase in parasympathetic autonomic function immediately post-STEMI. Coffee was found to be safe and not associated with any adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the short term.
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