Because I have heart rhythm issues I’ve wondered about this a lot, so what’s the answer?

According to available research YES. The stimulants, that include caffeine, increases heart rate and blood pressure. If you have a heart issue like atrial fibrillation or another arrhythmia the possibility to induce an arrhythmia is increased. Moderate use of energy drinks is difficult to measure because of the different amounts of stimulants found in different brands.

FACTS ABOUT ENERGY DRINKS

What’s in energy drinks and what do they do to your heart?Here’s the deal……

Usually, an energy drink will be some sort of drink containing sugar and stimulant compounds. This compound is usually caffeine. The drink may or may not be carbonated and except for sugar may contain other sweeteners, herbal extracts, taurine, guarana, ginseng, and amino acids.

Naturally caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea are not considered energy drinks.

There is not a complete list that I can refer to that states the number of energy drinks available but there are at least 59 or more energy drinks available in the USA according to this list. The ingredients in the energy drinks will differ very much because it is not a “regulated” drink or drug.

The top seller, in 2018, was Red Bull followed by Monster according to this site. The energy drink market continues to grow, even in the slower economy, in contrast with soda sales that are dropping.

The caffeine content in energy drinks varies from 150 mg/l (4,5 mg/fl oz) to as much as 1200 mg/l (104 mg/fl oz) according to this site. This means up to about 300mg caffeine per 250 ml(about a cup) compared to 100mg of caffeine per coffee cup. Take into count that 400 mg caffeine per day is regarded as the “safe” limit for people without any sensitivity to caffeine.

There are also energy shots usually sold in a 50ml format and energy drink mixes which has also become very popular.

WHAT ENERGY DRINKS DO TO YOUR HEART

In 2016 it was already mentioned that hospitalizations associated with energy drinks increased during the preceding decade. The magnitude of the problem is not clear. This prompted a study into the effects of energy drink consumption on Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure(basically the top number and the bottom number on your blood pressure reading).

According to this study, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was raised after energy drink consumption. That’s not good.

In this study, “QT/QTc interval prolonged significantly”. Just want to mention it again, I’m not a doctor! but according to what I read it means there is an increased risk of arrhythmias. Because there is a significant change in the time that the chambers of the heart take to contract and relax. That’s not good for us Afibbers!

There are some who believe that the side effects of consuming energy drinks may be related to damage of the endothelial, which is the smooth inner lining of the heart, blood vessels, and some body parts.

DO ENERGY DRINKS CAUSE HEART PROBLEMS?

The conclusion in this study says a lot ” The previously mentioned studies suggest the association between EDs(energy drinks) and cardiovascular changes including cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged QT interval, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, infarction, aortic dissection, and death.”

Although it also further mentions that well-designed studies are required to definitely prove the association of energy drinks and cardiovascular events. It is enough for me to stay away from them.

POTENTIALLY HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ENERGY DRINKS

According to this Australian study done over 7 years from 2004 to 2010 the risk’s of overconsumption are listed in order from most reported to least reported.

• Palpitations/tachycardia
• Tremor/shaking
• Agitation/restlessness
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Chest pain/ischemia
• Dizziness/syncope
• Paresthesia(tingling or numbing of the skin)
• Insomnia
• Respiratory distress
• Headaches

IS IT OK TO DRINK ONE ENERGY DRINK PER DAY?

Many opinions say that one energy drink per day is not harmful. From what I have read I am even more convinced that I don’t need them in my life and heart. Maybe one every now and then is acceptable for some people, but not for me. Research shows that people who have heart and arrhythmia issues should stay away from them, as well as people who are sensitive to caffeine. People who do not regularly consume coffee or caffeine beverages should also stay away from energy drinks.

WHAT IN ENERGY DRINKS ARE BAD FOR YOUR HEART?

Energy drinks are not “standardized” so they are not created equal. Usually, they have caffeine and large amounts of sugar in them mixed with other ingredients. As this article and others relate it may be the interaction of caffeine with other ingredients that is the problem.

Stimulants in energy drinks are designed to, well stimulate your body, but that lets your heartbeat go faster increases blood pressure and other negative effects as mentioned above. There are better ways to stimulate your body that are more natural and longer-lasting, like eating healthy and doing exercise. Drinking Rooibos Tea gives me a boost although it does not have caffeine in it. There is always the Red Tea Detox that you can use.

CAN YOU DRINK ENERGY DRINKS AND ALCOHOL?

Energy drinks mask the depressant effects of alcohol and that means that you do not feel as drunk as you actually are. It could lead to the misuse of alcohol and other health risks. On the other hand, the stimulant effects of alcohol may increase your heart rate, and that combined with the caffeine in the energy drink is dangerous.

It is not recommended although many people do it daily all over the world.

If you have heart issues – STAY AWAY!

IS THERE A SAFE ENERGY DRINK?

My honest answer is I do not know, I don’t drink any of them.

THE ANSWER ACCORDING TO RESEARCH?

ARE ENERGY DRINKS BAD FOR YOUR HEART?

Yes, energy drinks are bad for your heart. You can always use https://www.myafibheart.com/Red Tea Detox to get rid of all the bad stuff(not just energy drinks) you have in your body.

I am not a doctor, and I do not give medical advice. I’m a person who was born with a CHD called Tetralogy of Fallot. I have suffered from AFIB and during my journey experienced one open-heart surgery, 8 cardioversions, and an ablation. AFIB has not reduced me to living a “small life”. I endeavor to manage it wisely by applying what I learn about it.

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