Caffeine and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Caffeine has heterogeneous effects that can meaningfully affect cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases themselves (Figure 2). Many studies suggest potential protective effects, but these often come from studies of coffee as a beverage rather than caffeine per se in what are usually observational cohort studies. Several areas of future research are worth pursuing, made all the more important given the near ubiquity of caffeine consumption among the general public. This includes more research using the randomized controlled trial design such as crossover or pragmatic trials whenever feasible. Research priorities include disentangling caffeine from other components of the beverages such as polyphenols, assessing individual differences in response, and examining dose-response and thresholds in individuals with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Because there is already substantial evidence of heterogeneous effects within individuals that may be genetically determined, elucidating those relationships will help the general public, health care professionals, and patients to tailor caffeine to individual risks and goals of care, improving risk stratification and personalization of recommendations. Potential health benefits that have been observed among individuals consuming caffeine that occurs in natural substances should not be extrapolated to synthetic products or high-dose caffeine. Indeed, although data on energy drinks are limited, available studies generally suggest cardiovascular harm. Last, in terms of applications of the potential beneficial effects of coffee intake, it is worth studying whether introducing or initiating regular coffee consumption among current abstainers yields positive cardiovascular health benefits.

All information presented is general and not intended as a substitute for individualized healthcare or advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about your personal health.