ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COFFEE INTAKE AND THE RISK OF IMPAIRED CARDIAC FUNCTIONS AMONG HEALTHY YOUNG SUDANESE PEOPLE

Abstract

Serum lipids (T.Cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, and LDL-C) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) were estimated in serum of 150 healthy volunteers between age 18 and 40 years. Volunteers were classified into 3 groups. Control group (n=50) included healthy young volunteers who do not take coffee drinks. Group I (n=50) included those who drink 1 – 3 cups of coffee daily (140 – 420mg caffeine). Group II (n=50) included those who drink more than 3 cups of coffee daily (more than 420mg caffeine).

When compare to control group, coffee intake (in both groups) showed significant increase (P<0.05) in serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and CK-MB concentrations; and insignificantly reduction (P>0.05) in levels of serum HDL-cholesterol, but had no significant (P<0.05) effect on serum triglyceride. These results suggest that coffee intake predisposes consumers to coronary heart disease especially to those who take more than 3 cups of black caffeinated coffee daily.

Key words: Coffee intake, Caffeine, Coronary heart disease, Blood lipids.