A recent scientific study has found that drinking just one cup of coffee a day could reduce a person’s risk of having a heart attack.
American researchers have discovered new evidence suggesting that coffee may offer protective effects against heart failure and stroke. According to the study, each additional cup of coffee consumed per week was associated with a 7% lower risk of heart failure and an 8% reduction in the risk of stroke.
However, some scientists are still unsure whether coffee itself—or the compounds within it—is responsible for these effects, or if it’s the behaviors associated with coffee consumption that make the difference. These findings were drawn from several observational studies that revealed a correlation between coffee consumption and lower rates of heart failure and stroke, though they did not confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
It’s possible that people who drink little or no coffee may already have health conditions that prevent them from consuming fluids regularly, or they may lack the independence needed to prepare coffee—factors that could also increase their risk of heart failure or stroke.
This doesn't mean we should avoid coffee. On the contrary, evidence from 20 observational studies since 2014 shows that people who consume more coffee tend to live longer than those who drink less or none at all.
Still, these studies point to association, not causation. But the growing body of evidence does suggest that coffee can be beneficial to human health.
How Was the Research Conducted?
These conclusions were presented during the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in November 2017. The researchers used data from over 12,000 adults, analyzing their dietary and beverage habits in connection to heart disease.
The study applied a powerful new statistical technique known as random forest machine learning, which uses all the available data to make multiple predictions and identify common patterns. The researchers compared this method to the algorithms used by marketing companies to predict consumer behavior.
They emphasized that high blood pressure and cholesterol in older adults increase the risk of heart disease. They also noted that higher-than-expected coffee consumption might help reduce the risks of heart failure and stroke.
However, some key questions remain unanswered—such as how the amount of coffee was measured, whether it was caffeinated or decaf, and the actual daily or weekly consumption rates.
Researchers developed a statistical model that included well-established risk factors for heart disease—such as age, gender, weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes—to predict a person’s 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular conditions, including stroke, heart failure, and atherosclerosis (caused by fatty deposits clogging the arteries).
According to the analysis, coffee consumption improved the accuracy of the heart disease risk prediction model by 4%.
They also observed similar trends in two separate studies, where coffee consumption was linked to a 7% reduction in heart failure risk and an 8% decrease in stroke risk.
However, it’s important to note that this study did not include heart attacks, which differ significantly from stroke and heart failure. A heart attack is caused by a sudden blockage of blood and oxygen to the heart, leading to the death of heart muscle cells. In contrast, heart failure means the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body, and a stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted—either by a blockage or a burst vessel.
These differences are critical because something that benefits the heart muscle may not necessarily be good for blood vessels in the brain or heart.
So, Is Coffee Good for You?
If you're a smoker, drinking regular coffee might not be the best idea. Some studies have found a higher risk of lung cancer among smokers who drink regular coffee, although decaf coffee was linked to lower risks.
For those with high blood pressure, caffeine can cause an immediate rise in blood pressure that may last several hours. Still, there's no strong evidence that coffee significantly increases the risk of heart disease overall.
On the other hand, coffee has been associated with several other health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, prostate and liver cancer, and even increased life expectancy. For these reasons, coffee should now be considered one of the tools available to support better health.
In conclusion, moderate coffee consumption is remarkably safe and can be included as part of a healthy diet for most adults.
