Coffee consumption and cardiovascular health in the general population

Background

Coffee, next to water the most widespread beverage, is attributed both harmful and protective characteristics concerning cardiovascular health. This study aimed to evaluate associations of coffee consumption with cardiac biomarkers, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic parameters as well as major cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and results

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 9,009 participants a large German population-based cohort study, enrolled between 2016 and 2018 median age 63 [IQR: 55; 69] years. Coffee consumption was classified into three groups: <3 cups/day (low), 3–4 cups/day (moderate), >4 cups/day (high). In linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, moderate and high coffee consumption were associated with LDL-cholesterol (β=2.08; 95% CI: 0.14, 4.03, p=0.036; β=5.69; 95% CI: 2.91, 8.47; p<0.001). Moderate and high coffee consumption were negatively associated with systolic (β=−1.6; 95% CI: −2.66, −0.54; p=0.003; β=−2.63; 95% CI: −4.15, −1.12; p=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (β=−0.8; 95% CI: −1.38, −0.22; p=0.007; β=1.28; 95% CI: −2.11, −0.45; p=0.002). Different levels of coffee consumption did neither correlate with any investigated electrocardiographic or echocardiographic parameter nor with prevalent major cardiovascular diseases, including prior myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional analysis, moderate and high coffee consumption was positively associated with LDL-cholesterol and negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, major cardiovascular diseases including heart failure and its diagnostic precursors were not associated with coffee consumption, connoting a neutral role of coffee in the context of cardiovascular health.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grant Number TH1106/5-1; AA93/2-1]The Foundation Leducq [Grant Number 16 CVD 03]

Lifestyle behaviour and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors - a pilot study comparing Kiribati and European seafarers

Background

According to internal observations within a German shipping company, obvious risk-behaviour persists among the crew members coming from the Pacific Island State of Kiribati and representing a large part of the crew aboard merchant vessels of this company. These observations were related to excessive eating habits. This study aims to assess the cardiovascular risk among seafarers and to compare lifestyle factors between Kiribati and European crew members.

Methods

In the present maritime field study 81 sailors (48 Kiribati, 33 European, average age at 38.9 and 36.8 years respectively) were examined from April until August 2014 aboard four container ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean (participation rate of 90.9%).

Results

Based on the number of established risk factors, 35.4% of the Kiribati and 16.7% of the European crew members were regarded as a high risk group for cardiovascular diseases. The HDL-values of Kiribati were found to be considerably lower (34.9 mg/dl) than the references values given by the WHO and in comparison to the European crew members (44.8 mg/dl) (p = 0.002). 91.7% of Kiribati and 51.5% of European participants were found to be overweight according to WHO-criteria - with a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.3 kg/m² and 25.6 kg/m² (p <  0.001). Regarding lifestyle factors Kiribati often claimed to eat significantly larger amounts of food aboard while most European sailors stated to eat less or about the same during their shipboard stay (p = 0.017). Daily sleeping hours were slight on both sides; however with a mean of 5.2 h a day Kiribati crew members had significant fewer sleep (p = 0.038). The examined Kiribati sailors had a mean increase in weight of 6 kg over a 12 months period of observation.

Conclusions

In total the compiled data points towards a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases particularly due to alimentary habits within the Kiribati crew members. The distinct weight-gain measured among the Kiribati in spite of higher energy consumption levels at sea is alarming. Thus, the results of this study confirm the necessity of health-improving interventions aboard cargo vessels.

[Life style changes for prevention of coronary heart disease]

BACKGROUND

In developed countries arteriosclerosis is responsible for the majority of all deaths. With growing prosperity the life expectancy is increasing, and cardiovascular disease is becoming the primary cause of premature death. Most complications of arteriosclerosis occur unexpectedly. Because of the severe morbidity and high mortality prevention is the only true solution.

CHANGES OF LIFESTYLE

Unhealthy nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight and smoking have been identified as the primary causes of arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Central obesity is responsible for the risk factors characterizing the metabolic syndrome. This is the result of inappropriate caloric intake and expenditure. In addition, the nutrients themselves can bear harmful consequences either indirectly by deteriorating risk factors like lipid parameters or by affecting directly the vessel wall. This can add to the deleterious effects of smoking. Evidently saturated fat is the single most decisive nutrient for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Cholesterol and trans fatty acids act additive, while unsaturated fatty acids appear to be beneficial. However, total fat intake is an important determinant of the energy supply, which again influences body weight and composite. Physical activity can counteract, but appears to be beneficial by several additional ways. Quitting smoking is highly effective already within few years. Together with physical activity and healthy nutrition more than 80% of all cardiovascular events can be prevented.

CONCLUSION

Preventive medicine needs to focus on lifestyle changes because they are feasible and highly effective. A nutrition low in total fat primarily by avoiding saturated and trans fatty acids, but rich in carbohydrates and fiber is recommended. Daily physical activity in any preferred way should be encouraged, and quitting smoking needs to be strongly emphasized.