San Diego – While some people drink coffee or soda for a caffeine boost, others turn to energy drinks.
However, beware that these beverages might pose a risk for certain heart conditions.
Energy drinks can raise resting blood pressure, especially among people not accustomed to consuming caffeine, according to research from the Mayo Clinic presented March 14 at the American College of Cardiology’s 64th Annual Scientific Session.
Researchers monitored changes in heart rate and blood pressure in 25 healthy adults 19-40 years old before and 30 minutes after they drank a commercially available energy drink or a placebo drink. They also compared results between regular caffeine users (who consume more than 160 milligrams of caffeine per day) and “caffeine-naïve participants” (who drink less than 160 milligrams per day – similar to the amount in a cup of coffee).
Participants had higher blood pressure after drinking the energy drink than the placebo. Blood pressure was more than doubled in adults who usually drink less than 160 milligrams of caffeine per day after they consumed the energy drink.
“We know that energy drink consumption is widespread and rising among young people,” Dr. Anna Svatikova, the study’s lead author and cardiovascular diseases fellow at the Mayo Clinic, said in a press release. “Consumers should use caution when using energy drinks because they may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, even among young people.”
