Caffeine intake may improve heart health: new study

The study entitled "Caffeine improves systemic lupus erythematosus endothelial dysfunction by promoting endothelial progenitor cell survival" is published in the journal Rheumatology.

For more information , see Valeria Orefice et al, "Caffeine improves systemic lupus erythematosus endothelial dysfunction by promoting endothelial progenitor cell survival", Rheumatology (2024).

Cardiovascular risks in rheumatic diseases

Vascular disease, blood vessel damage and its consequences - heart attacks and strokes - are among the leading causes of death in the general population. In patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, these risks are significantly higher. This is due to both the diseases themselves and some of their treatments, especially the use of corticosteroids.

To date, physicians' recommendations to reduce these vascular risks have been limited to avoidance of risk factors. This has included controlling inflammation, reducing corticosteroid doses, and common measures such as smoking cessation, lowering cholesterol levels, and controlling high blood pressure.

Caffeine as a possible helper

However, researchers from the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy believe that patients can improve their vascular health by doing something they really enjoy. Their lab results show that caffeine, found in coffee, tea and cocoa, actively helps endothelial progenitor cells, a group of cells that help regenerate the inner lining of blood vessels and are involved in their growth.

A diet rich in vitamins D (found in fatty fish and eggs) and A (found in many fruits), polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in sodium is known to reduce inflammation.

Effects of caffeine on the cardiovascular system

Scientists have long been interested in the effects of caffeine. In addition to its well-known stimulant effect, caffeine has anti-inflammatory effects because it binds to receptors on the surface of immune cells. However, studies on the effects of caffeine consumption on cardiovascular health have produced conflicting results.

Researchers examined 31 lupus patients without traditional cardiovascular risk factors using a seven-day food questionnaire. After a week, participants had blood drawn to assess their blood vessel health. It turned out that the patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as assessed by the condition of endothelial cells, which form the important inner layer of blood vessels.

'The present study is an attempt to provide patients with information about the possible role of diet in disease control,' said lead author Fulvia Ceccarelli. - It is necessary to confirm the results through a long-term study aimed at assessing the real impact of coffee consumption on the course of the disease.