A new study has suggested drinking energy drinks may link to a sudden cardiac arrest.
Scientists at the Mayo Clinic have urged that drinking them can lead to dangerous consequences for people who suffer with genetic heart diseases.
Energy drinks, which contain stimulating ingredients and high amounts of caffeine, should be consumed in moderation, researchers say.
In a study, 144 patients who have previously had sudden cardiac arrests, were examined, and seven of them consumed one or more energy drinks near their health scare.
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The team analyzed the type of cardiac issue and the conditions surrounding the event.
The study did not prove energy drink consumption directly causes cardiac arrest, but the researchers warned people should only enjoy them in moderation, especially those who have genetic heart issues.
Michael J Ackerman, lead investigator of the report and genetic cardiologist, said: “Although the relative risk is small and the absolute risk of sudden death after consuming an energy drink is even smaller, patients with a known sudden death predisposing genetic heart disease should weigh the risks and benefits of consuming such drinks in the balance.”
He explained there are several potential factors could contribute to sudden cardiac arrests.
He said the ‘agitators’ could include dehydration, sleep deprivation, extreme fasting or dieting, or the postpartum period.
Ackerman said it was likely the “unusual consumption of energy drinks” combined with other agitators that went on to create a ‘perfect storm’ of risk factors.
And in some cases, it led to the sudden cardiac arrest in the patients observed in the study.
However, concerns over energy drinks have increased over the years. A normal cup of coffee, at 8 ounces, contains approximately 100mg of caffeine, whereas a single energy drink can have as much as 300mg.
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