Cardiovascular considerations

Blood Pressure

• Acute Effects: Caffeine can cause a short-term rise in blood pressure (5–10 mmHg) in sensitive individuals or those unaccustomed to coffee.
• Long-Term Effects: Regular drinkers often develop tolerance, with little to no sustained elevation.

Heart Rate & Arrhythmia

• Caffeine increases alertness but does not consistently raise resting heart rate.
• Large studies show no strong link between moderate coffee intake and arrhythmias in healthy individuals.
• Some evidence suggests protective effects against atrial fibrillation with habitual consumption.

Cholesterol & Lipids

• Unfiltered coffee (French press, Turkish, espresso) contains cafestol and kahweol, diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol.
• Paper-filtered coffee removes most diterpenes, lowering this risk.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk

• Meta-analyses suggest moderate coffee consumption (3–4 cups/day) is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
• Protective effects may be linked to antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and improved endothelial function.

Individual Considerations

• Hypertension: People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should monitor intake.
• Slow Caffeine Metabolizers (CYP1A2 variants): Higher risk of negative cardiovascular effects from heavy coffee consumption.
• Pregnancy & Heart Conditions: Lower caffeine intake recommended to minimize risk.

Summary

Coffee’s cardiovascular effects are complex but generally neutral to beneficial in moderate amounts. Short-term blood pressure rises are common, but long-term studies show reduced heart disease and stroke risk, especially when coffee is filtered. Individual genetics, health conditions, and brewing methods influence outcomes.

• Tags:
• French Press
• Summary Coffee
• Brewing Methods
• Higher Risk
• Reduced Risk
• Coffee Consumption
• Short Term