Relation of habitual cocoa consumption to aortic stiffness and wave reflections, and to central hemodynamics in healthy individuals.

The effect of habitual cocoa consumption on arterial stiffness and wave reflection indexes, as well as on peripheral and central blood pressure, was assessed in 198 healthy subjects. In conclusion, higher cocoa intake was an independent determinant of low arterial stiffness and wave reflection indexes and was also independently associated with significantly lower central (aortic) pulse pressure.