Showing papers by "Diederick E. Grobbee published in 1989"

The effect on serum cholesterol levels of coffee brewed by filtering or boiling.

Abstract: Previous reports have indicated that coffee consumption may increase serum cholesterol levels. We studied the effects of coffee prepared by two common brewing methods (filtering and boiling) on serum lipid levels in a 12-week randomized trial involving 107 young adult subjects with normal serum cholesterol levels. After a three-week run-in period during which they all consumed filtered coffee, the participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving four to six cups of boiled coffee a day, four to six cups of filtered coffee a day, or no coffee, for a period of nine weeks. As compared with the change from base line in the filtered-coffee group, the serum total cholesterol level increased after the consumption of boiled coffee by 0.48 mmol per liter (95 percent confidence limits, 0.13 and 0.83), and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased by 0.39 mmol per liter (95 percent confidence limits, -0.04 and 0.82). There was no significant difference in the change in serum total or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between the filtered-coffee group and the group that drank no coffee. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoproteins were not affected by boiled or filtered coffee. We conclude that drinking filtered coffee does not affect serum lipid levels. The consumption of boiled coffee, however, has an effect on serum cholesterol levels amounting to a mean net increase of 10 percent of the base-line level after nine weeks.

Abstinence from coffee leads to a fall in blood pressure.

Abstract: The long-term effects of coffee use on blood pressure and the effects of two common brewing methods were studied for 12 weeks in 107 young normotensives. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups, receiving either (1) 4-6 cups of filtered coffee per day, (2) 4-6 cups of boiled coffee per day, or (3) no coffee for a period of 9 weeks. During the 9 weeks of abstinence, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased. The fall in systolic blood pressure amounted to 4.9 mmHg, compared with the filter group (P = 0.02). There was no difference with either brewing method. Our findings suggest that abstinence from coffee may reduce blood pressure in young normotensive subjects.

Interference with dietary habits in young hypertension-prone subjects.

Abstract: There is growing evidence that the roots of primary hypertension are found in childhood. Since the pathophysiological phenomena that accompany high blood pressure may change during its development, research into the aetiology of hypertension should include relatively young subjects. Altering the blood pressure in children and young adults may also help to prevent hypertension. Unfortunately, it is still difficult to predict which young subjects will become hypertensive later in life. Dietary habits appear to be an important determinant of blood pressure level. Studies on dietary changes in young subjects with elevated blood pressure could therefore provide an insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking environment and blood pressure. They may also indicate what preventive measures may be taken in that age group. However, before practical measures can be taken, more studies are needed to clarify both the beneficial and adverse effects that interference with dietary habits may have on young hypertension-prone subjects.