Energy drinks may increase blood pressure, change heart's rhythm

[Jazzy]

Researchers are warning some energy drink fans that their habit may be taking a toll on their hearts.



A new study presented at the American Heart Association's 2013 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans revealed that energy drinks may increase blood pressure and change the heart's rhythm.



Emergency room visits due to energy drinks have doubled over the last four years from 10,000 in 2007 to 20,000 in 2011, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Forty-two percent of the cases involved a combination of energy drinks with alcohol, or drugs like Adderall and Ritalin.



For the new study, which is considered preliminary because it was presented at a medical conference and has yet to published, researchers reviewed data from seven previous observational and interventional studies. Participants were all healthy and between the ages of 18 and 45.



The first part of the analysis looked at the QT interval -- the time for electrical activation and inactivation of the ventricles, or the lower chambers of the heart -- of 93 people who had just consumed one to three cans of energy drinks. The QT interval was 10 milliseconds longer for the people who just had energy drinks, compared to control subjects. Long intervals can cause serious irregular heart rhythms or lead to sudden cardiac death.

Full article



For those of you who drink energy drinks, does this study worry you?

Have you ever mixed energy drinks with alcohol and/or drugs?

 

[seasidemike]

A new study? Who keep paying for these studies into things that everybody already knows?

 

[Evil Eye]

People wanting to show that they care.

Very political that.