Consuming caffeine may have a positive impact on heart health, particularly for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Vascular diseases, which include conditions like heart attacks and strokes, present significant risks to the general population. For those with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, these risks are even higher due to the diseases themselves and some treatments, such as cortisone derivatives.
Caffeine benefits for heart health
Traditionally, medical advice for reducing vascular risks has centred around avoiding known risk factors like smoking, managing cholesterol levels, and controlling blood pressure. A recent study published in Rheumatology, by researchers from Sapienza University of Rome, proposes that something as simple as consuming caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and cocoa, could potentially enhance vascular health in these patients.
The study focused on 31 lupus patients who did not have traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers used a seven-day food questionnaire to assess caffeine intake and then measured the health of their blood vessels through endothelial cells, a crucial component of blood vessel linings responsible for vascular health.
Lead author Fulvia Ceccarelli emphasised the study’s significance in potentially altering dietary recommendations for patients managing these chronic conditions. “The present study is an attempt to provide patients with information on the possible role of diet in controlling the disease,” Ceccarelli explained. “It will be necessary to confirm the results through a longitudinal study, aimed at assessing the real impact of coffee consumption on the disease course.”
Caffeine’s impact on disease progression
Caffeine, known for its stimulating effects, also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties by interacting with immune cell receptors. This dual action, stimulation and anti-inflammatory effect, may contribute to its observed benefits on cardiovascular health.
Longitudinal studies will be crucial in determining caffeine’s actual impact on disease progression and whether incorporating it into dietary recommendations could mitigate vascular risks associated with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
This research opens up new possibilities for patients seeking to improve their vascular health through enjoyable dietary habits. If future studies confirm these initial findings, recommending moderate caffeine consumption could become a new approach in managing cardiovascular risks in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
