Energy Drinks Linked to Cardiac & Blood Pressure Issues: If You Love Energy Drinks Read This ASAP Heart Health Family Health

Energy drinks are popular, and many people drink them as a dietary supplements because they contain caffeine and other ingredients such as amino acids, herbs (ginseng) and vitamins. Energy drinks are marketed as energy boosting, fatigue reducing and that they help improve your physical and mental performance. Given that energy drinks have been associated with emergency room visits and deaths, a study led by the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., set out to determine the impact of energy drinks on electrocardiographic (activity of the heart) and hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure) in young healthy adults.

A double-blind clinical trial was conducted with 34 adults ages 18 to 40. The participants, after an overnight fast, consumed two 16-ounce bottles of either energy drinks or a placebo. The their heart activity and blood pressure was measured every 30 minutes for four hours.

The study found that there was a significant increase in the time that the heart chambers needed to contract and relax (QT interval). This increase is linked to a person's risk of experiencing life-threatening arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and sudden cardiac death. Blood pressure changes of the energy drinks' group was also significantly different from the placebo group. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). 

Due to the study, there has been a call to fully investigate the impacts of energy drinks' ingredients, in particular how a mix of the common ingredients such as caffeine and taurine could affect the heart. For now, if you have an underlying condition or are one of those who love your energy drinks, consider reducing your consumption. 

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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