Energy drinks are causing potentially fatal heart disorders that are not explained by their high caffeine content.
Experts have warned people with congenital heart conditions and high blood pressure to limit their use of energy drinks after the largest study yet found they caused substantial interference in the electrical signals that govern the organ.
A trial of participants between the ages of 18 and 40 revealed the speed at which the heart resets itself at least 4 hours after consuming an energy drink.
However, while the beverages tested were high in caffeine – between 304 and 320 milligrams per 32 fluid ounces – scientists would not expect to see electrocardiographic changes at doses under 400.
Instead, they believe the disturbance to the heart is being caused by an ingredient or combination of ingredients they do not yet understand.
Thirty-four healthy volunteers were given either energy drinks or a placebo on three separate days.
The researchers measured the electrical activity of the volunteer’s hearts by electrocardiogram.
They also recorded the participant’s blood pressure.
In those who consumed an energy drink, the time taken for the lower chambers of the heart to prepare to beat again was between 6 and 7.7 milliseconds higher 4 hours after drinking than those on the placebo.
Meanwhile the scientists also found statistically significant increases in blood pressure.
The conclusion of the study was that an urgent investigation of the particular ingredient or combination of ingredients in different types of energy drinks had to be undertaken to explain the findings seen in the study.
The public should be aware of the impact of energy drinks on their body, especially if they have other underlying health conditions.
Last year the UK Government announced that children would be banned from buying energy drinks under plans to tackle disruptive behavior in schools.
Teresa May said brands such as Red Bull and Monster will be prohibited up to the age of 18.
My advice for my friends and readers is to keep away from ALL ENERGY DRINKS; have a tequila shot instead.
That’s it for now; see you all the next time.
