Grant: Operating Grant

Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. It is found naturally in coffee, tea and cocoa, and is added to cola beverages and energy drinks. There is increased concern that caffeine may negatively affect our cardiovascular system, however, studies have given conflicting results. Recent research has shown that this effect relates to how caffeine is broken down (metabolized) in the body. People who break it down slowly are at greater risk of heart disease whereas those who break it down quickly seem to be protected. Interestingly, the breakdown of caffeine has little to do with its physical effects on the body, such as alertness and withdrawal, and genes relating to these other effects have yet to be studied. We hypothesize that variation exists in important genes that are involved in both caffeine metabolism and its physical effects on the body, and that these genetic differences also modify the relationship between caffeine intake and the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. The objective of this research is to determine whether these genetic variations alter the relationship between caffeine intake and disease in large populations of healthy young and older adults living in Canada, adults with high blood pressure in Italy, and those who have had a heart attack in Costa Rica. Given the significant burden of heart disease in Canada and the widespread consumption of caffeine our results will allow us to identify individuals who are more susceptible to disease based on their genes and dietary habits. This information is needed to establish improved guidelines to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease in vulnerable populations.