The Hidden Risks Of Energy Drinks

For those of you who enjoy energy drinks, whether it be +Monster Energy, +RedBull or +Rockstar, know that there are cardiac risks associated with the consumption of those drinks. Those drinks, according to a recent meta-analysis, "may raise blood pressure and interfere with the heart's electrical system, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death." [Dr. Donohue's note: That's a bad thing!]

When taking a pooled analysis of 93 people who consumed energy drinks, the QT interval, a measure of ventricular rhythm found on ECGs, was significantly prolonged. In addition to the increased QT interval, significant increases in systolic blood pressure where found in those who consumed those drinks.

Electrocardiogram

The aforementioned drinks, some of the more popular ones on the market, typically have 3 times the amount of caffeine as colas. a 16-oz can of +Monster Energy, "for example, contains 160 mgs. of caffeine, which is almost as much as five cans of soda."

The most notable and frankly terrifying aspect of this situation is that the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) can do nothing about the increased QT interval as the organization can limit the caffeine content in soft drinks, but not for energy drinks. This is due to the fact that soda is categorized as food, while energy drinks are categorized as dietary supplements, for which the FDA has no oversight.