Drinking energy drinks can increases risk of irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure

Born in an era when everyone is overtired, energy drinks are another popular refreshing beverage besides coffee. Many people drink energy drinks when they need to stay up late, before exercise, or when they are focused on work or study for a long time. They are used to increase physical energy and endurance for tired bodies, thereby improving work, study, and sports performance. However, energy drinks usually contain higher nutrients than ordinary drinks. Some studies have even pointed out that energy drinks can cause irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. Some people may need to be hospitalized for treatment, which increases the risk of death.

Study results

A university professor in the United States conducted clinical experiments on the effects of energy drinks on heart rate and blood pressure. He first asked volunteers to attach electrode pads to their bodies, then drink 1 to 3 servings of energy drinks (6 ounces each), and monitored changes in their heart function with electrocardiograms (ECG) to compare heart rhythms before and after drinking energy drinks.

The electrocardiogram displays changes in the heart signal over time using P, Q, R, S and T waves. The QT interval (i.e. the time from the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the T wave) is an important research parameter, which can know the duration of ventricular activity. The results showed that after drinking energy drinks, the QT interval of the heart was 10 milliseconds longer than before drinking. If the QT interval is 30 milliseconds longer than normal for a long time, it will lead to arrhythmia.

Another clinical trial found that volunteers' blood pressure increased by an average of 3.5 mm after drinking energy drinks. Although the value is still within the controllable range, high blood pressure also represents a warning signal from the body's cardiovascular system and requires increased vigilance.

Causes of cardiac arrhythmia & hypertension

Although different brands of energy drinks have different recipes, their ingredients are inseparable from caffeine, guarana, taurine, B vitamins and a large amount of sugar. Let’s get to know them one by one:

• Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant. When ingested by the human body, it can stimulate the central system, improve concentration and eliminate drowsiness. At the same time, it stimulates the heart, speeds up the heartbeat rhythm and vasoconstriction, and causes blood pressure to rise rapidly in a short period of time.

• Guarana: Guarana is a climbing plant native to the Amazon that is considered a medicine by locals. However, guarana contains 2 to 6 times more caffeine than coffee beans, and it contains theophylline, a stimulant similar to caffeine. Even a can of energy drinks can lead to excessive caffeine intake and irregular heartbeats.

• Taurine: As one of the amino acids, appropriate dosage can improve exercise endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. However, some energy drinks contain high doses of taurine, which can cause irregular heartbeats.

• Vitamin B: B1, B2, B5, B6, and B12 are vitamin B complex commonly used in energy drinks. Even though vitamin B is water-soluble and can be excreted through urine under normal circumstances, excessive intake of vitamin B for a long time can be harmful to the human body.

• Lots of sugar: To enhance the drink's flavor and provide quick energy, energy drinks often contain large amounts of sugar, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels and, over time, weight gain.
  

Under the combined influence of arrhythmia and high blood pressure, the load on the heart will be greatly increased and it will be unable to pump blood effectively, which can lead to blood clots, heart failure, blood vessel blockage or rupture, stroke, cardiac hypertrophy, and even sudden death at any time.

Although energy drinks can provide a short-term energy boost, long-term consumption can also lead to physical dependence and even cause the body to become energy "debt", and it cannot fundamentally solve the problem of fatigue or lack of sleep. Therefore, maintaining proper and normal rest and adequate sleep is the long-term and effective way to solve physical fatigue.

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Disclaimer: This article is prepared by an independent third party and is not sponsored. The content provided is solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any specific viewpoint. In the event of any discomfort or health issues, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.