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High consumption of energy drinks linked with ED reports of palpitations
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Young people aged 15 to 39 years who consume at least two energy drinks per day may experience symptoms of palpitations, and combining energy drinks with alcohol may exacerbate the effects, according to new data published in the International Journal of Cardiology.
Researchers conducted a survey to determine the impact of energy drink consumption on ED presentation in healthy young adults. Overall, the researchers evaluated surveys from 60 patients (32 women) who experienced palpitations prior to or upon arrival to the ED.
Forty-two patients reported consuming an energy drink during their lifetime. Consumption ranged from every day to less than once per month. On average, patients reported consuming an average of 1.67 energy drinks per day. Thirteen patients reporting consuming energy drinks with alcohol within 24 hours of presentation to the ED; of those, eight reported consuming five or more energy drinks and one reported consuming 12 energy drinks with alcohol.
Energy drink consumption was categorized as high ( two drinks/day; n = 12) or low ( one; n = 24). Patients in the high-consumption group had a significantly higher frequency of palpitations within 24 hours of ED presentation compared with low consumers (75% vs. 12%; P < .001). Consumption of energy drinks with alcohol increased the frequency of palpitations 61.5%). Of those who did not also drink alcohol, 27.5% reported palpitations after energy drink consumption. The researchers found no association between energy drink consumption and chest pain or dyspnea.
Patients who reported consuming energy drinks were more likely to be younger, male and had a higher diastolic BP, according to the results. – by Tracey Romero
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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