Can energy drinks cause damage to heart health?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been consuming energy drinks regularly and am concerned about their effects on my heart. Can you explain how the caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks impact heart health? What are the potential risks, such as cardiac arrest, associated with frequent consumption of energy drinks? How much caffeine is considered safe, and what are the signs that I might be overdoing it? Are there healthier alternatives to boost energy without risking my heart health? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Despite being an energy booster, caffeine has many side effects on the heart. Being an adrenergic stimulant (a medication that stimulates certain nerves in your body) causes tachycardia (a rise in heart rate). Hence, it may be harmful in patients with pre-existing CAD (coronary artery disease); there is also the likelihood of triggering abnormal heart rhythms like ventricular ectopics and atrial ectopics, which, if present for a substantial amount of time, may cause the contractility of the heart to decrease due to its action on adrenergic receptors; it also causes an increase in blood pressure. There is no consensus on a safe dose, but up to 400 mg per day seems safe in studies.

If you are overdoing caffeine, you will mostly have an increased heart rate. To boost your heart and overall health, exercise regularly, at least five times a week, and consume fruits, nuts, and legumes more often.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of queries.

Thank you.