QJM Advance Access originally published online on June 16, 2009
QJM 2009 102(8):555-561; doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcp072
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Randomized control trial investigating the influence of coffee on heart rate variability in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
From the 1Bournemouth Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, 2Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, 3Dorset Research and Development Support Unit, Poole Hospital & Bournemouth University and 4Centre of Postgraduate Medical Research and Education, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
Address correspondence to Dr T. Richardson, Bournemouth Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, UK. email: tristan.richardson{at}rbch.nhs.uk
Received 20 January 2009 and in revised form 19 May 2009
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Background: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction post ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been linked to an excess risk of premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality above those with normal autonomic function post-STEMI.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute ingestion of coffee on autonomic function and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute STEMI.
Design: Randomized control trial.
Methods: We randomized 103 patients with acute STEMI, admitted to our Coronary Care Unit, to receive regular coffee (caffeinated) or de-caffeinated coffee using a randomized controlled double-blinded design. Heart rate variability was assessed 5 days post-STEMI to assess the effect of caffeine on autonomic function.
Results: In the group randomized to regular coffee, parasympathetic activity increased by up to 96% (P = 0.04) after 5 days. There was no detrimental effect of regular coffee on cardiac rhythm post-STEMI.
Conclusion: Coffee ingestion is associated with an increase in parasympathetic autonomic function immediately post-STEMI. Coffee was found to be safe and not associated with any adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the short term.