The Russians explained in which cases coffee does not harm the heart

In reasonable quantities, coffee does not affect the rhythm of the heart, a professor at the Medical Research and Education Center (MSEC) of Moscow State University told PRIME. M.V. Lomonosov, professor of Russian National Research Medical University named after A.I. N.I. Pirogov, arrhythmologist Andrey Ardashev.

According to him, factors that affect the myocardium at the cellular level, worsen the interaction of cardiomyocytes with each other, and, as a result, worsen the electrical conductivity of the heart tissue, lead to the development of arrhythmias. Among such risk factors for arrhythmias are hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), surgery, but not coffee, the expert noted.

He pointed out that over the course of 12 years, scientists from the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) conducted a study involving about 80 thousand people, as a result of which it was found that coffee and products containing caffeine do not lead to an increase in the number of new arrhythmias. According to Ardashev, even large doses of caffeine did not affect the health of both those study participants who already suffered from arrhythmia, and those who were diagnosed with it during the 12-year follow-up period.

Coffee is a complex mixture of over 150 chemicals. It contains alkaloids, organic acids, tannins, amino acids and many other substances, each of which affects the body. For example, antioxidants and phenols reduce inflammation, and as a result, they can prevent the development of cancer, as well as reduce insulin resistance, and therefore have an antidiabetic effect, the arrhythmologist explains.

However, he stressed, the main positive effect of coffee is that it “helps to cheer up and focus”, this is due to the fact that the molecular structure of caffeine resembles the neurotransmitter adenosine. Therefore, caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain and, as a result, reduces the effects of this mediator.

This confirms the well-known scientific fact that “the point of action of caffeine, the target organ is the brain, but by no means the heart,” the doctor explained.

“In moderate doses (40 to 300 mg), caffeine can counteract the effects of adenosine, i.e. reduce fatigue and increase alertness. At the same time, as in the case of other products, the main thing is to know the measure and not exceed the daily allowance,” Ardashev warned.

According to the WHO, the allowable amount of caffeine (not coffee) is 300-400 ml per day, which corresponds to about two cups of coffee beans. It should be remembered that caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in other products, the doctor pointed out.

“The well-known cardiac effects of coffee, familiar to everyone – an increase in heart rate, and in rare cases, a change in blood pressure or even sensations of an irregular heartbeat, which frighten some drinkers, are rather mediated and implemented on the heart through an effect on the central nervous system. Such effects, rather, are a reflection of the quality of the consumed drink, which can consist of various varieties in different proportions, including grains of low-quality weed origin, ”the arrhythmologist believes.

The direct effect on the heart cells of the above chemical components of coffee is not proven, the expert concluded.