Energy drinks may trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients with genetic heart diseases, according to a new study.
Published in Heart Rhythm, the study highlighted potential dangers associated with energy drink consumption by patients with genetic heart diseases. Conducted by researchers at Mayo Clinic, the study examined 144 survivors of sudden cardiac arrest and identified a link between energy drink intake and cardiac events in a small subset of these patients.
Among the 144 study participants, seven individuals (5%) had consumed one or more energy drinks shortly before their cardiac incidents. This prompted medical professionals to advise caution, recommending moderation in energy drink consumption for patients with genetic heart conditions.
"The energy drink market has been growing consistently, raising concerns about the combined effects of caffeine and other unregulated ingredients. Researching their impact on patients is crucial," noted lead investigator Michael J. Ackerman, MD, PhD.
Energy drinks typically contain between 80 mg and 300 mg of caffeine per serving, along with other stimulants like taurine and guarana. These unregulated ingredients may alter heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac contractility, potentially triggering arrhythmias.
In addition to energy drink consumption, the study reviewed other factors that might have contributed to the cardiac events, such as exercise, stress, and the use of QT-prolonging medications. Dr. Ackerman explained that these variables could combine with energy drinks to create a combination of risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest.
While the absolute risk of sudden death following energy drink consumption remains low, the study's authors advocate for increased awareness and careful monitoring of energy drink intake among patients with genetic heart diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand the risks and establish clear guidelines for safe consumption.
Full disclosures can be found in the study.