Japanese Study Suggest Coffee May Improve Flow in Blood Vessels

Japan – A study released from the University of Ryukyus suggests that drinking moderate amounts of coffee may improve the function of the small blood vessels. According to Professor Masato Tsutsui, the cardiologist and co-author of the study, the study identified caffeinated coffee as providing the best results in improved blood flow in the small blood vessels.

The study involved 27 adults between the ages of 22 and 30 who were infrequent coffee drinkers. Every day, each person was given a 5 ounce cup of coffee either caffeinated or non-caffeinated. Next, the researchers observed each patients left index finger for what is termed the “reactive hyperemia” which refers to the increase of blood flow following a change in condition. The same procedure would be repeated every two days alternating types of coffee.

Professor Masato Tsutsui, a heart expert from the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, said: “This gives us a clue about how coffee may help improve cardiovascular health.”

What the researchers found was that the patients showed 30% more mobility in the left index finger for 75 minutes following the consumption of caffeinated coffee over decaf.

“This is an intriguing observation that may help us understand why consumption of coffee may be beneficial,” said Tsutsui, former president of the American Heart Association.

The caffeinated coffee was also seen to slightly increase blood pressure and result is lower blood flood to the left index finger compared to decaf. Neither type of coffee affected the heart rate. The researchers want to conduct additional studies to determine what happens with increased consumption of caffeine.

“If we know how the positive effects of coffee work, it could lead to a new treatment strategy for cardiovascular disease in the future,” said Tsutsui.

On The Web:
Perk up: Coffee may help blood vessels work better
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/20/coffee-heart-disease/3646265/