A new report, published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, has discovered that energy drinks may be increasing the risk of cardiac events, such as abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
A case study of a 28 year-old male was reported, after he arrived at the emergency department presenting with a rapid heart rate, and a recent history of vomiting blood. After more testing, an electrocardiogram discovered he had atrial fibrillation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. He reported that daily he consumed 2 Monster energy drinks, for the combined caffeine content of 320milligrams. There are also components to energy drinks, such as taurine, which can increase the effects of caffeine.
Although atrial fibrillation could have been caused by multiple factors, health care professionals were convinced that based on his presentation, his symptoms were due to the daily consumption of energy drinks.
This case report highlights the possible health consequences of consuming energy drinks. Although a direct correlation can not be determined in this case, findings suggest energy drinks can increase the likelihood of experiencing abnormal heart rhythms.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
Sattari, Maryam MD, MS; Sattari, Anahita BS; Kazory, Amir MD. Energy Drink Consumption and Cardiac Complications: A Case for Caution. Journal of Addiction Medicine, August 2016 DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000234