Just one energy drink could increase your risk of heart attack or stroke within 90 minutes, according to a recent study. Researchers from the University of Texas at Houston discovered that energy drinks cause blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow to critical organs.
How Energy Drinks Impact the Body
The research team wanted to understand how energy drinks affect the endothelium, the cell layer lining blood vessels. Healthy students in their 20s participated, and within 90 minutes of consuming a 24-ounce energy drink, their blood vessel diameter had nearly halved, which restricts vital blood flow.
Ingredients That May Trigger Contraction
Scientists suspect that ingredients in energy drinks, like caffeine, taurine, and sugar, might trigger these changes. The sugar levels alone—equivalent to over nine teaspoons in a typical can—cause blood vessels to contract, while caffeine releases adrenaline, temporarily increasing blood pressure.
The Growing Popularity and Potential Health Risks
With energy drinks popular among teens, almost one-third of American teenagers reportedly consume them regularly. Dr. John Higgins, a professor at McGovern Medical School, believes it’s essential to study these effects further, given how widespread their use has become.
Studies Show a Link to Other Health Issues
Other studies support this growing concern. Research from California’s David Grant USAF Medical Center found that a single 32-ounce energy drink could lead to arrhythmia, while a Canadian study revealed that over half of teenagers who drink energy drinks report side effects like rapid heartbeats and, in some cases, seizures. These latest findings will be shared at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2018.
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