“When faced with unexplained arrhythmia (an irregular or rapid heartbeat) problems, physicians should consider asking their patient about their energy drink consumption habits,” explain researchers at the University of Florida, who publish a new study on the link between these drinks and heart complications.
Energy drinks and alcohol: a formidable cocktail
In this study, the researchers cite the case of a 28-year-old patient who drank two cans of energy drink a day, and who was admitted to the emergency room because he was vomiting blood.
After examination, the doctors found nothing in particular except an extremely fast heart rate (130 beats per minute at rest).
They found that the man suffered from atrial fibrillation, a form of arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke. The patient then admitted that he was drinking two cans of energy drink (equivalent to 320 mg of caffeine) and a few beers each day, a formidable “cocktail” for the health of the heart.
Earlier this year, Australian researchers had already warned of the damage that these drinks rich in caffeine and taurine could cause on the hearts of consumers. These researchers concluded that it is not necessary not drink more than one can per day under penalty of suffering from a heart rhythm disorder.
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