Retinal microcirculation in association with caffeinated and alcoholic drinks in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk.

Abstract

The association of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks with microcirculation is poorly investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of daily consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks with retinal vessel calibers. In consecutive adults at increased risk but free of CVD and diabetes mellitus, (n=181, age: 51.32±12.42y, 51.4% women), we determined CRAE, CRVE and AVR, respectively. Daily consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks was assessed through 24h recalls. After adjustment for potential confounders: (i) caffeine was positively associated with CRVE (b=0.177, P=.006 for left, b=0.208, P=.002 for right eye, respectively) (ii) decaffeinated coffee was positively associated with CRAE (b=0.141, P=.035 for left eye) and negatively associated with CRVE (b=-0.234, P<.001 for left, b=-0.189, P=.006 for right eye, respectively). Regular coffee, tea, alcohol, and any type of alcoholic drink did not associate with retinal vessel calibers. Alcohol and alcoholic drinks' consumption were not associated, while decaffeinated coffee and caffeine consumption were associated in an opposing pattern with retinal vessel calibers. The reason of this controversy merits further investigation.