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A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized clinical trials on the effect of coffee consumption on heart rate
Shufen Han1, Yue Qiu1, Gus Q Zhang2
1Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Insights
Daily coffee consumption, even up to 6 cups, does not significantly impact resting heart rate (HR). This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found no significant changes in HR, offering reassurance for coffee drinkers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Resting heart rate (HR) is a key indicator of cardiovascular health, morbidity, and mortality.
- Understanding the impact of chronic coffee consumption on resting HR is crucial for public health and individual well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of coffee consumption on resting heart rate (HR).
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for RCTs published before March 2023.
- Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment followed Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines.
- Pooled effect sizes were estimated using random-effects or fixed-effects models, with homogeneity and publication bias assessed.
Main Results:
- Included 6 RCTs with 11 intervention arms and 485 participants, generally healthy but some with pre-existing conditions.
- Coffee consumption resulted in a statistically insignificant increase in resting HR of 0.40 bpm (95% CI: -0.78 to 1.57; P=0.506).
- No heterogeneity was observed among trials (I² = 0.0%, P=0.756), and subgroup analyses were consistent with overall findings.
Conclusions:
- Daily consumption of 3 to 6 cups of coffee over 2 to 24 weeks demonstrated no statistically significant effect on resting heart rate.
- These findings suggest that moderate coffee intake is unlikely to adversely affect resting heart rate in the general population.
Context:
Resting heart rate (HR) is increasingly recognized as an indicator of disease and overall morbidity and mortality. Whether chronic coffee consumption affects resting HR is an important consideration for individual consumers as well as from a public health perspective.
Objective:
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to examine the effectiveness of coffee consumption on resting HR.
Data Sources:
Original RCTs assessing the effect of coffee consumption on resting HR and published prior to March 2023 were identified by searching online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases.
Data Extraction And Analysis:
Data searches and extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Cochrane guidelines, and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Data on study characteristics, type, and amount of coffee and net change and measurement resting HR were extracted. A random-effects or a fixed-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect sizes. Homogeneity was determined with the Cochran Q test, and publication bias was assessed through Begg's test, Egger's test, and funnel plots.
Results:
A total of 6 RCTs with 11 intervention trials or arms involving 485 individuals were included. The participants were generally healthy, although some had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or were overweight. The trial duration ranged from 2 weeks to 24 weeks. The overall pooled analysis showed that coffee consumption resulted in a negligible increase in resting HR of 0.40 beats per minute (95% CI: -0.78 to 1.57; P = 0.506), which was statistically insignificant. Subgroup analysis of all specified categories was consistent with the overall analysis. No heterogeneity was observed among included trials (I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.756).
Conclusion:
The results of the present meta-analysis study demonstrate that daily coffee consumption of 3 to 6 cups for a period of 2 to 24 weeks has no statistically significant effect on resting HR.
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