Caffeine and Cardiometabolic Health: Evidence, Controversies, and Clinical Considerations

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Metabolic Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Caffeine is the world's most consumed psychoactive substance.
• Its cardiometabolic effects are crucial, especially for those with cardiovascular disease.
• Current guidance on caffeine consumption is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on caffeine's impact on cardiometabolic risk factors.
• To integrate clinical and mechanistic studies.
• To provide practical clinical insights.

Main Methods:

• A structured literature search of MEDLINE was performed.
• Keywords included caffeine, coffee, cardiovascular health, and disease.
• The review synthesized findings from clinical and mechanistic studies.

Main Results:

• Caffeine is generally safe for hypertensive patients within limits, but sensitivity varies.
• Filtered coffee positively impacts lipid profiles; unfiltered coffee does not.
• Long-term caffeine intake may reduce metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis but could worsen diabetic renal disease.
• Caffeine before exercise may impair coronary vasodilation in CAD patients.
• Excessive intake, especially from energy drinks, poses risks for vulnerable individuals.

Conclusions:

• Moderate caffeine intake is safe for most adults.
• Individual factors like age and genetics influence caffeine sensitivity.
• A personalized approach to caffeine consumption, considering genetic variability, is recommended.
• More research is needed to establish standardized clinical recommendations.