A study at Mayo Clinic found that 5% of sudden cardiac arrest survivors had consumed energy drinks close to their cardiac event, suggesting a potential link between energy drink consumption and life-threatening heart issue.
Energy drinks containing high amounts of caffeine (80-300 mg per serving) and stimulants like taurine, guarana, carnitine, and ginseng may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, heart arrhythmias, and other life-threatening heart issues, especially in individuals with genetic heart conditions or underlying cardiovascular diseases, according to the study.
These ingredients can disrupt the heart's electrical system, alter heart rate, blood pressure, and heart muscle function.
While a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not been established, the combination of these ingredients, exposure to stimulants, and other factors like sleep deprivation, dehydration, and medication use may create a 'perfect storm' of risk for high-risk patients.
Experts advise caution and moderation in consuming energy drinks, particularly for children, young people, and those with smaller body sizes or lower tolerance to stimulants, as excessive caffeine consumption can lead to negative symptoms like insomnia, fast heart rate, upset stomach, dehydration, heart complications, and anxiety.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Newsweek, HealthDay, TimesNow, DT Next, Guwahati Plus, Healthnews, Globe Echo, WalesOnline, EurekAlert, Medical Xpress, Mirage News, and Healthline.