Coffee Genes May Boost Early Heart Plaque Risk

A large study looked at how people’s genes that favor coffee drinking might affect hidden heart disease. Researchers followed 24, 835 adults in Sweden and used imaging tests to check for early plaque in heart arteries and the neck’s carotid artery. Participants reported how often they drank coffee, while scientists also examined genetic markers linked to higher coffee intake. When the data were simply compared, there was no clear link between how much coffee people drank and plaque scores. However, the team used a technique called Mendelian randomization that treats genes as natural experiments. This analysis suggested that people who carry genes associated with drinking more coffee have a higher score of plaque in the coronary arteries.The researchers dug deeper by separating participants into groups based on their coffee habits. In those who drank more than twice a day, two specific genetic variants—located in the AHR and CYP1A1/CYP1A2 genes—were tied to higher plaque levels. These genes are known to help the body process substances found in coffee. To understand what might be happening inside the body, scientists combined metabolite and protein data. They found that the genetic tendency to drink coffee was linked with higher levels of certain fats, like triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as proteins involved in inflammation. These molecules could explain how coffee‑related genes influence plaque formation. Overall, the findings point to a possible genetic connection between heavy coffee consumption and early heart artery disease. The exact biological mechanisms remain unclear, but the study highlights how genes can shape the health impact of everyday habits.