Dr. James Stone, a cardiologist at the South Heart Clinic in Harlingen, Texas, warns that energy drinks can be detrimental to heart health. He advises heart patients to avoid these drinks at all costs, citing the potential for harmful effects on the nervous system and heart rhythm issues.
Risks Associated with Energy Drinks
Energy drinks typically contain caffeine, added sugars, and other stimulants like taurine, guarana, and L-carnitine. While caffeine can be beneficial in moderation, the combination of these stimulants in energy drinks can be hazardous, particularly for those with pre-existing heart conditions. Stone recommends that people with heart failure or coronary artery disease avoid energy drinks, as they can counteract the effects of medications like beta blockers.
Even healthy individuals may experience adverse effects from energy drinks, such as jitteriness or a racing heart. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the consumption of energy drinks by adolescents, and Stone suggests that everyone, regardless of age or health status, should opt for alternative beverages like black coffee, which has potential cardiovascular health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
