Energy Drinks Intensify Contractions of the Heart

A team of researchers of Bonn in Germany warn people against the drinking of caffeinated drinks as they have the ability to change the way the heart beats. The researchers imaged hearts of over 17 people one hour after they had had the energy drink. It was observed that the heart contractions were intensified after drinking.

The team brought to the attention of the Radiological Society of North America that children as well as people suffering from some form of health conditions avoid the drinks. The amount of caffeine in energy drinks is much higher, precisely up to three times, than coffee or cola.  There are several side-effects that are closely associated with the consumption of caffeine, such as palpitations, rapid heart rate, rise in blood pressure, seizure and even death.

When the researchers studied the results, they found that the left ventricle, chamber of the heart that pumps blood around the body, was contracting harder after an hour post the consumption of the energy drink than at the beginning of the study.

Even though a relationship between consumption of energy drinks and changing activities of the heart has been established with evidence, it has not yet been found if the greater contractility of the heart has any impact on every day activities or not.

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