$Unique_ID{BRK00390}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Concern Over Coffee and Heart Attack}
$Subject{coffee heart caffeine}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Concern Over Coffee and Heart Attack


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QUESTION:  I have been a heavy coffee drinker for years, seven to eight cups a
day, but after a recent heart attack, my doc nixed my favorite beverage.  I
must confess I have been sneaking a cup or two each day, but my wife is
concerned that I am doing real injury to myself.  I need your advice, but if
the answer isn't an O.K.  I'll probably hide your column!

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ANSWER:  It doesn't seem as if you are going to give up your coffee, no matter
what I write, but I am please to calm some of your doubts, and relieve some of
the guilty feelings I sense.  This has long been a subject of discussion, for
the physicians who prohibit the use of coffee, as well as tea and cola for
their heart patients, are concerned that the caffeine contained in these
beverages may stimulate the heart to beat in an abnormal or irregular fashion.
In the presence of previous heart injury, this could provoke complications
that can become real problems.  It is a legitimate concern, but there is a
growing amount of evidence which seems to show that the danger is more
theoretical than real.  It is true that the more you drink the more likely
that you will affect the beat, and certainly I can't recommend or condone 7 to
8 cups a day, but I believe I am on safe ground when I admit that 1 or 2 cups
a day won't hurt you.  The stress of sneaking the coffee is probably doing you
more damage than the coffee.  However, if you do continue to drink your daily
quota, you do owe your physician a confession, so that he can properly assess
your cardiac condition in the presence of the caffeine, and continue to
counsel you.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
