Coffee consumption was linked to better cognitive performance in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The observational Swiss study enrolled 2,413 predominantly male (72.6%) patients with a mean age of 73.25 years, across 14 centers in Switzerland. Researchers analyzed daily coffee consumption using structured dietary assessments and evaluated cognition via comprehensive neurocognitive testing.
As measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the highest cognitive performance was observed in patients consuming over 5 cups of coffee daily. This cohort achieved a mean score of 25.25, compared to 24.58 in those consuming less than 1 cup per day. The cognitive construct score also showed dose-dependent improvement in the over 5 cups per day group achieving -0.10 versus -0.24 in the reference group.
Analysis of inflammatory markers revealed 27% reductions in interleukin-6 levels among those consuming over 5 cups a day. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were reduced by 22%, though this finding did not reach statistical significance.
Secondary outcomes supported these findings. For example, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test demonstrated notable cognitive enhancement, with the 4 to 5 cups per day group improving by 2.77 points and the over 5 cups per day group by 4.89 points. The Trail-Making Test B also showed significant improvement in the 4 to 5 cups per day group.
Notably, cardiovascular risk factors varied across groups. While arterial hypertension prevalence was lowest in the over 5 cups per `day group (61.9% vs. 69.7% overall), active smoking was highest (23.8%). Diabetes prevalence was also elevated in this group (21.4% vs. 17.0% overall), potentially confounding the results.
Researchers emphasized the study’s observational nature and the need for further investigation. Adjustments for confounders—including age, sex, education, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, depression, hypertension, anticoagulant use, diabetes, and stroke history—strengthened the findings but did not establish causality. Limitations included potential recall bias in coffee consumption and variability in preparation methods.
Coffee consumption may support cognitive health in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, potentially mediated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, further trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal intake levels.
The authors declared having no competing interests.