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Coffee, blood pressure and plasma lipids: a randomized controlled trial
M L Burr1, J E Gallacher, B K Butland
1MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cardiff, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|July 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that drinking coffee may slightly increase systolic blood pressure but has no significant effect on other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy individuals. The overall impact of coffee on heart disease risk in Britain appears minimal.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Coffee consumption is widespread globally.
- Its impact on cardiovascular health, particularly blood pressure and lipids, requires ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of habitual coffee consumption on blood pressure and plasma lipids in healthy British adults.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with a Latin square design was employed.
- Fifty-four healthy subjects participated, undergoing three 4-week regimens: regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or no coffee.
- Measurements included recumbent systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and plasma lipid profiles.
Main Results:
- A small, statistically non-significant increase in recumbent systolic blood pressure (3 mm Hg) was observed with regular coffee.
- No consistent changes in diastolic blood pressure or pulse rate were attributed to coffee.
- Minor, non-significant changes in plasma lipids (HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI, total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B) were noted.
Conclusions:
- Habitual coffee consumption in Britain likely has a small effect on cardiovascular risk factors.
- The observed changes in blood pressure and plasma lipids were not statistically significant and may be influenced by other factors.