Consumption of energy drinks can alter one’s heartbeat, leading to heightened blood pressure, heart arrhythmia and, finally, hospitalization, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association meeting.
The study surveyed seven previous studies looking into the QT interval—that is, the amount of time between the electrical activation and inactivation of the heart’s lower chambers—finding that in those who had consumed three cans of energy drinks, the time was significantly longer:
“QT prolongation is associated with life-threatening arrhythmias. The finding that energy drinks could prolong the QT, in light of the reports of sudden cardiac death, warrants further investigation,” co-author Dr. Ian Riddock, director of preventive cardiology at the David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., said in a press release.
In November, the FDA announced that its investigation of 13 deaths tied to the 5-hour energy production, one non-fatal heart attack linked to Monster Energy Drinks and several other cases linked to the manufacturer of Red Bull.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, the number of energy drink-related emergency room visits doubled (from 10,000 to 20,000) from 2010 to 2011. Most cases involved a combination of energy drink with alcohol or prescription drugs (e.g. Adderall or Ritalin).
by RTT Staff Writer
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