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Coffee mixes badly with certain genes

Caffeine boosts risk of heart attacks in the genetically susceptible.

People carrying a common variation in a certain gene could be worsening their risk of a heart attack simply by drinking several cups of coffee per day.

Read the story here.

Posted by Nicola Jones on March 07, 2006
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Comments

Seryx, LLC does a DNA test identifying the CYP1A2 variations as part of its Signature Genetics service. I believe that the test for that gene alone is approximately $250. Interestingly, I have had this test done: both my partner and I turned out to be *1F/*1F.

Posted by: Frederick Mannausau | March 8, 2006 01:07 AM

The Harvard School of public health has followed 40,000 health professionals for over 20 years and found that coffee had no bearing on heart attacks. In fact, more heart attacks occured (4%) in those who drank decaf . (not statisically significant tho)
Caffeine is used foorm patients suffering dementa to help them with cognitive problems. I am 85+ years old and aside from the fact that I really love the taste of coffee I have no side affects. I drink 5 6oz cups every morning nd feel fine; having never suffered a heart attack.

Posted by: Dr. Budd Gottlieb | March 8, 2006 05:34 AM

Possibly Dr. Budd Gottlieb is in the other group that the article spoke to. "The other half had the opposite trait, which caused their bodies to rapidly break down or metabolize caffeine, and coffee-drinking in this group appeared to reduce heart attack risks." Having had the test done myself and since I am *1A/*1F and my husband is *1F/*1F we will be greatly reducing our caffeine intake.

Posted by: Jan Smart | March 8, 2006 02:12 PM

more accuracy please.

as typical, the medical industry only focusing on the "symptom" and not the actual underlying cause:

The impression and statement of "caffeine = heart attack" can not be further from the truth, as heart attacks and strokes, both related in that they both occur when *blood vessels are blocked* and blocked from an obstruction of LDL (bad cholesterol) buildup within the vein/artery itself. *Any* increase in heart rate/blood pressure (eg. running upstairs, after a bus, after a child, etc) could cause exactly the same occurrence of vein/artery blockage.

Posted by: Christopher A.H. | March 9, 2006 03:59 PM

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