September 9/Bournemouth, U.K./Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- According to recent research from Bournemouth, U.K., "The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute ingestion of coffee on autonomic function and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute STEMI. Randomized control trial."

"We randomized 103 patients with acute STEMI, admitted to our coronary care unit, to receive regular coffee (caffeinated) or de-caffeinated coffee using a randomized controlled double-blinded design. Heart rate variability was assessed five days post-STEMI to assess the effect of caffeine on autonomic function. In the group randomized to regular coffee, parasympathetic activity increased by up to 96% (P = 0.04) after five days. There was no detrimental effect of regular coffee on cardiac rhythm post-STEMI. Coffee ingestion is associated with an increase in parasympathetic autonomic function immediately post-STEMI," wrote T. Richardson and colleagues.

The researchers concluded, "Coffee was found to be safe and not associated with any adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the short term."

Richardson and colleagues published their study in Qjm - an International Journal of Medicine ("Randomized Control Trial Investigating the Influence of Coffee on Heart Rate Variability in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction." Qjm - an International Journal of Medicine, 2009;102(8):555-561).

For additional information, contact T. Richardson, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth Diabetes & Endocrine Center, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, Dorset, United Kingdom.

From the September 14, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition