The results of a new study. What substances in their composition are thought to be harmful to the heart?
US scientists report that energy drinks may be linked to heart attacks because they contain high amounts of caffeine and other stimulants that can be dangerous for some people.
Scientists looked at data from 144 patients who survived a heart attack. Seven of them reported consuming one or more energy drinks before becoming ill.
The scientists looked at the type of heart problem that led to the arrest and under what circumstances it occurred.
The researchers emphasize that the new findings do not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, meaning that the drinks in question lead to cessation. But they do show a connection. And they recommend not to use these drinks too much.
“The relative risk of cardiac arrest is small, and the absolute risk is even smaller,” said Dr supervising researcher Dr. Michael AckermanProfessor of Pharmacology and Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “However, patients with a predisposition to heart disease should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of consuming these beverages.”
Combination of ingredients
New findings Published in the medical journal Heart Rhythm. As the researchers wrote, energy drinks contain 80 to 300 mg caffeine per box. In contrast, a cup of filter coffee contains 100 mg.
But it does contain energy drinks and other stimulantsnot regulated by the appropriate Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are such items taurine and guarana. Consuming these substances is a concern the effect of their joint activity.
Previous studies associated with excessive caffeine consumption (more than 10 cups of coffee per day) with cardiac arrestthey add.
Doctors believe that the ingredients in energy drinks can have an effect:
- Heartbeat
- Blood pressure
- Heart muscle function
These effects can cause cardiac arrhythmias that can lead to cardiac arrest.
And other contributing factors
In this study, seven patients who experienced cardiac arrest had other contributing factors. They include:
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Diet (sometimes excessive)
- Taking drugs that affect heart rate
«The unusual consumption of energy drinks probably combined with other factors to create a “perfect storm” that led to cardiac arrest.explained Dr. Ackerman.
In a commentary accompanying the new study Professor of the Department of Cardiology Dr. Peter Schwartz says how it isHealthy mind» to consider energy drinks as a factor that may cause an adverse reaction.
As he explained, of course there is no clear and conclusive evidence that energy drinks cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. But they exist indicates that it is related. «We would be remiss if we didn’t sound the alarm“he emphasizes.