Energy Drinks...Are they worth it?
Effects of Energy Drinks
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Studies show after the consumption of an energy drink, a "mild level of anxiety" was recorded
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Physical tests recorded show a small increase in the maximum heart rate
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Ingesting large amounts of energy drinks can lead to seizures and arrhythmias
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Several studies found energy drinks to induce hypertension compared to a placebo
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Increases in Systolic and Diastolic BP
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Increases in HR
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Increases in Cerebrovascular Resistance
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Increases in Breathing Frequency
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Decreases in cerebral blood flow velocity and end-tidal carbon dioxide
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Increased Cardiovascular demand leading to possible adverse health effects
(Bishoy Wassef Michelle Kohansieh Amgad N Makaryus, 2017)
(Petrelli et al., 2018)
Cases on Common Adverse Effects on the Neurological and Cardiovascular systems
Neurological
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Seizures
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Neuro psychotic agitation
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Aggressive behavior
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Suicidal ideation ( possibly due to Caffeine and Taurine as they are known as psychoactive agents found in Energy Drinks )
Cardiac
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Arrhythmias ( highest percent 35% with other being rare )
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Coronary vasospasm
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Aortic Aneurysm dissection
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Cardiac arrest
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Qt prolongation
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Acute cardiomyopathies
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Accelerated hypertension
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Reversible postural tachycardia syndrome
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Acute coronary thrombosis
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ST-elevation myocardial infarction
(Bishoy Wassef Michelle Kohansieh Amgad N Makaryus, 2017)
(Petrelli et al., 2018)
*Note: It should be noted that many of the adverse events described in these case reports have been linked to haphazard use of ED’s and ED use combined with alcohol and other substances
Ingestion of a 355ml can of RedBull
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Imposes a cumulative cardiovascular load
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Increases Systolic BP by about 10 mmHg
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Increases Diastolic BP by about 7 mmHg
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Increases Heart Rate by 20 beats/min
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Decreases cerebral blood flow velocity by -7 cm/s
Overall Conclusion
Several studies have stated that further research needs to be done on Energy Drinks alone, without the mixing of alcohol, to give an affirmative answer on whether they are bad or good. One limitation for studies is that there were many, not well-studied chemicals in Energy Drinks like Taurine. While caffeine is the one chemical that is well understood. So far studies advise those with existing health conditions to not drink energy drinks, to limit their consumption, or to ask their doctor. Studies also found that the Effects of Energy Drinks only last for a couple of hours and the body should go back to functioning normally by itself. So, do not over consume energy drinks and just drink responsibly! As further studies and research are being done.