Genetic predisposition to higher coffee intake associated with markers of early atherosclerosis
Mar 22nd 2026 ยท World
Genetic analyses indicate that variants linked to higher habitual coffee intake are associated with small increases in subclinical atherosclerosis, with lipids and coffee compounds as possible mediators; findings are preliminary and do not prove that drinking coffee causes heart disease.
- Mendelian randomization using genetic variants for habitual coffee consumption found an association with greater burden of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by coronary artery calcium and carotid plaque scores.
- Lipid changes and coffee compounds such as cafestol are biologically plausible mediators linking coffee-related genetics to arterial calcification and plaque formation.
- Observational evidence on coffee and cardiovascular risk is mixed and can be biased by reverse causation and confounding, which supports using genetic instruments to assess causality.
- Effects likely vary by individual genetics, caffeine metabolism, beverage type and brewing method, so population averages may not apply to every person.
- Results suggest the need for further mechanistic and longitudinal studies but do not by themselves justify changing clinical guidance on coffee consumption.