Genetic Factors Influence How Coffee Affects Early Coronary Atherosclerosis Risk

New research led by Vanessa Kaplan at Linköping University and supported by Hjärt-Lungfonden reveals that genetic variations play a significant role in how coffee consumption impacts early signs of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Analyzing data from over 24,000 Swedish participants aged 50 to 64 in the Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), the study found that individuals with specific genetic profiles—particularly those linked to faster caffeine metabolism—tend to drink more coffee. However, these frequent coffee drinkers with this genetic background also show a higher prevalence of early indicators of coronary atherosclerosis.

The SCAPIS study involved advanced imaging diagnostics of coronary arteries, providing in-depth insight into participants' cardiovascular health. These findings suggest that the relationship between coffee intake and heart disease risk is not uniform but depends heavily on genetic makeup.

Vanessa Kaplan emphasized that the research represents a major step toward personalized prevention strategies for heart disease, highlighting the need for future dietary and lifestyle recommendations tailored to an individual's genetics. Hjärt-Lungfonden's secretary-general, Kristina Sparreljung, stressed the importance of understanding how genetics and lifestyle factors intertwine to influence heart health, which could enable more precise advice and interventions.

The research, set to be published in Scientific Reports on March 22, 2026, opens the door for further investigations into how other dietary components interact with genetics to affect cardiovascular disease risk, advancing the field of personalized medicine in cardiology.