Blood Pressure And Energy Drinks

Energy drinks have gained popularity among consumers looking for a convenient and effective pick-me-up. Some people use them as an alternative to coffee, teas or sodas, all of which may provide a desirable caffeine boost. Though energy drinks are readily available, they may be causing a negative impact on your body. For example, research indicates that blood pressure rises after ingesting these products.

Blood Pressure and Energy Drinks

A study published in the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy" in 2009 found that most energy drinks cause a rise in blood pressure. Researchers took 15 healthy subjects who abstained from caffeine two days prior to the study. The study lasted for seven days. On day one, baseline EKG, heart rate and blood pressure measurements were taken. On days two through six, the subjects ingested ingredients common to energy drinks and EKG, heart rate and blood pressure were monitored. On the seventh day, day one's procedures were conducted again. Researchers found an average increase of 10 mmHg in blood pressure after ingestion of energy drink ingredients.

Mechanism

Taurine, an amino acid, and caffeine, a stimulant, are two common ingredients within the average energy drink. Researchers believe that this combination increases both heart rate and blood pressure. The study published in the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy" used as much caffeine as is contained in one to two cups of coffee, but many energy drinks contain much more than this. In addition, the subjects were analyzed during sedentary stages. Strenuous movements such as exercise seemed to exacerbate the effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system.

Complications

If you have hypertension, stay away from energy drinks. The ingredient combination of these drinks can impact both your blood pressure as well as your cardiac functioning. In fact, scientists even warn against drinking energy drinks if you have been diagnosed with heart disease. In addition, energy drinks might contribute to weight gain because they often contain a high amount of sugar and calories. This can also negatively effect those with hypertension, because excess weight can worsen your condition.

Recommendations

An occasional energy drink for a healthy adult is usually safe. Most healthy adults can consume about 200 mg of caffeine per day without any negative health effects, states MayoClinic.com. Constant fatigue, however, may be a sign that you should change your lifestyle. Try getting more sleep or adding physical activity to your daily routine for more energy.

Blood Pressure and Energy Drinks