Daily coffee consumption and associated beliefs related to impact on cardiovascular health: does hypertension make any difference?

Objective: Light-to-moderate daily coffee consumption (dCC) has been associated with favourable cardiovascular outcomes. The frequency and amount of dCC as well as beliefs related to dCC impact on cardiovascular health (CVH) may vary in different populations. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and amount of dCC and beliefs related to dCC impact on CVH in a country with very high cardiovascular risk, depending on the presence of hypertension. Design and method: The pilot study included convenient sample of 795 adults divided in 2 groups, hypertensives (HTs, 252) and non-hypertensives (non-HTs, 543). They were compared according to demographics, frequency of dCC, amount of dCC (light-to-moderate: 1-3 cups/day; high: >3 cups/day) and beliefs related to dCC impact on CVH (negative or beneficial). The data were collected by voluntary filling of survey from April 1st to June 30th 2022. Results: The HTs were older (58±13 vs 42±12, p<0.01), more often male (52% vs 36%, p<0.01), less educated (71% vs 50% with only high school or less, p<0.01) and had lower incomes (84% vs 70% with less than average, p<0.01). The greatest proportion of respondents in both groups were daily coffee consumers (80% of HTs vs 78% of non-HTs, p>0.05), drinking mostly light-to-moderate amount of coffee (87% for HTs vs 86% for non-HTs, p>0.05). However, the majority of respondents in both groups considered dCC to be associated with negative impact on CVH (69% of HTs vs 69% of non-HTs, p>0.05), while barely a quarter of them were aware of CVH benefits from dCC (24% of HTs vs 23% of non-HTs, p>0.05). Conclusions: There are wrong beliefs about dCC impact on CVH and lack of awareness about CVH benefits from dCC, regardless of the presence of hypertension. High rates of light-to-moderate dCC in both HTs and non-HTs suggest possible association with other factors, such as dietary or cultural habits. However, spreading the knowledge about beneficial cardiovascular effects of dCC may be an important part of the preventive strategy, especially in countries with low rates of dCC and high or very high cardiovascular risk.