Energy Drinks May Increase Risk of Heart Disease

For thousands of men and women, energy drinks a regular part of their morning routine. The combination of caffeine and sugar offers a quick pick-me-up, comparable to that of a cup of coffee. But there's new evidence suggesting that energy drinks could actually be bad for your health, potentially even increasing your risk of heart disease.

When speaking at the 2013 American Heart Association (AHA) meeting in New Orleans a few years back, researchers revealed that drinking just one to three energy drinks could alter the heart's rhythm while subsequently increasing blood pressure. Depending on the severity of these effects, it could produce an irregular heartbeat -- or worse, sudden cardiac death. That's a pretty bold statement to say the least, attesting to the dangers of energy drinks.

Researchers came to this conclusion by analyzing seven different studies involving men and women, ages 18 to 45. They discovered that adults who consumed energy drinks had a roughly 4% change in their heart rhythm. Furthermore, the systolic blood pressure readings of these individuals increased by 3.5 points on average.

Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D, spokesperson for the AHA, went on to say that these changes can cause health problems for certain people, particularly those with a preexisting heart condition and/or a history of heart problems in the family.

Even if you don't have a preexisting heart condition or history of heart problems in your family, though, it's best to limit, or completely avoid, the consumption of energy drinks. A typical energy drink contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, in addition to 30-40 grams of sugar, and a cocktail of artificial ingredients. When combined, it can alter your body's chemistry and metabolism, while also affecting your heart.

If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up in the morning, consider drinking a cup of black coffee instead. Coffee has actually been shown to offer some surprising health benefits, such as a lower risk of kidney disease, improved memory, and lower risk of kidney stones. Just remember to avoid filling your coffee with refined sugar, as this negates all of its otherwise positive benefits.

Another excellent source of energy is exercise. Even if it's just a short jog around the neighborhood for 15 minutes, exercise encourages blood flow while also releasing hormones like oxytocin and endorphin.