Coffee Consumption Cuts Risk for HF, Stroke

Coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk for heart failure (HF) and stroke, according to preliminary research from an ongoing study.

Findings were presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2017, which is taking place November 11 to 15, 2017.

For their study, David Kao, MD, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, and colleagues analyzed data from the ongoing Framingham Heart Study via machine learning.

A predictive model was used to assess the potential association between coffee and the risk for HF and stroke. Risk factors from the Framingham Risk Score—including blood pressure, age, and other patient characteristics associated with cardiovascular disease—were taken into account.

Through this analysis, the researchers found that every additional cup of coffee consumed per week was associated with a 7% lower risk for HF and an 8% lower risk for stroke.

To further test these machine learning results, the researchers conducted a traditional analysis to assess data from both the Cardiovascular Heart Study and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Ultimately, through analyzing all 3 studies, the researchers found a consistent association between coffee consumption and a lower risk for HF and stroke.

“Machine learning may [be] a useful addition to the way we look at data and help us find new ways to lower the risk of heart failure and strokes,” Dr Kao said.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Drinking coffee may be associated with reduced risk of heart failure and stroke [press release]. Anaheim, CA. American Heart Association. November 13, 2017. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/drinking-coffee-may-be-associated-with-reduced-risk-of-heart-failure-and-stroke?preview=4773. Accessed November 14, 2017.