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Coffee consumption in hypertensive men in older middle-age and the risk of stroke: the Honolulu Heart Program
A A Hakim1, G W Ross, J D Curb
1Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Insights
Coffee consumption is linked to a higher risk of thromboembolic stroke in hypertensive men. Reducing coffee intake may be advisable for older men with high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Neurology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including stroke.
- Coffee consumption is widespread, and its health effects are of considerable public health interest.
- Understanding the relationship between coffee and stroke risk in specific populations is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between coffee consumption and the incidence of stroke.
- To specifically examine this relationship in a cohort of men at high risk for cardiovascular disease, namely those with hypertension.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 499 hypertensive men (aged 55-68) from the Honolulu Heart Program was followed for 25 years.
- Coffee intake was recorded between 1965 and 1968.
- Exclusion criteria included current or past cigarette smoking.
Main Results:
- A total of 76 strokes occurred during the follow-up period.
- Increased coffee consumption was significantly associated with a higher risk of thromboembolic stroke (P = 0.002).
- Men drinking three cups of coffee daily had more than double the risk of thromboembolic stroke compared to non-drinkers (RR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2-3.7).
Conclusions:
- Coffee consumption appears positively associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic stroke in hypertensive, older middle-aged men.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Recommendations suggest that hypertensive men in this age group who consume large amounts of coffee may benefit from reducing their intake.
Objective:
To examine the association between coffee consumption and the development of stroke in men at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
Methods:
Coffee intake was observed from 1965 to 1968 in a cohort of men enrolled in the Honolulu Heart Program with follow-up for incident stroke over a 25-year period. Subjects were 499 hypertensive men (having systolic or diastolic blood pressures at or above 140 and 90 mm Hg, respectively) in older middle-age (55 to 68 years) when follow-up began. Past and current cigarette smokers were excluded from follow-up.
Results:
In the course of follow-up, 76 men developed a stroke. After age-adjustment, risk of thromboembolic stroke increased significantly with increases in coffee consumption (P = 0.002). No relationships were observed with hemorrhagic stroke. When adjusted for other factors, the risk of thromboembolic stroke was more than doubled for men who consumed three cups of coffee per day as compared to nondrinkers of coffee (RR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2-3.7).
Conclusions:
Although in need of further confirmation, consumption of coffee appears to be positively associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic stroke in hypertensive men in older middle-age. Findings suggest that it may be prudent to advise older middle-aged men with hypertension who consume large amounts of coffee to consider reducing their coffee intake.