Keywords

coffee; cardiovascular disease; caffeine

Abstract

Coffee is among the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide, and its bioactive components, including caffeine, affect the cardiovascular system through multiple physiological mechanisms. Patients with cardiovascular disease are typically advised to limit coffee and caffeine consumption because of potential cardiovascular harm, but emerging research challenges this recommendation. This review evaluates recent evidence regarding consumption of whole coffee, caffeine, or decaffeinated coffee in adults with established cardiovascular disease. Database searches conducted across three platforms for studies published after December 2021 yielded 360 records. Following screening against inclusion criteria, 11 studies were reviewed included in the final review. The studies showed variable results among three primary adult population diagnoses: stable cardiovascular disease, hypertension (controlled and uncontrolled), and atrial fibrillation. Among the studies, 1-4 cups of coffee per day was associated with neutral or reduced cardiovascular risk, while intake exceeding four cups was associated with increased cardiovascular risk, indicating a threshold effect dose-response pattern. In patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or severe hypertension, caffeine exposure was associated to elevated cardiovascular risk. Caffeine intake less than 400mg per day was not consistently associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The inconsistencies in the studies reflect inherent limitations of observational nutritional research. Improved methodological standardization is necessary to determine causal pathways and inform evidenced-based dietary practice for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Houston, Amanda

College

College of Nursing

Department

Department of Nursing

Thesis Discipline

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

UCF Daytona Beach

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Included in

Nursing Commons

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