Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 4: Once seen as a quick fix for fatigue, energy drinks are now under the scanner for their impact on heart health. Recent studies suggest that ingredients like caffeine, taurine and high sugar content in these beverages can sharply raise blood pressure, putting consumers at risk of hypertension and related complications.

Caffeine, the main stimulant, triggers the nervous system, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. Taurine, often marketed as a performance enhancer, can put extra strain on the heart when combined with caffeine. Meanwhile, high sugar levels contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, factors that fuel long-term cardiovascular issues.

A meta-analysis published in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy revealed that energy drink consumption could push systolic blood pressure up by 5–10 mmHg, alongside a noticeable rise in diastolic levels and heart rate. The effects were most severe in individuals already living with hypertension or sensitive to caffeine.

Health experts caution that regular use of energy drinks may cause persistent hypertension, heighten risks of heart attacks, strokes and irregular heart rhythms, while also increasing chances of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Those most vulnerable include adolescents, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, and people who metabolize caffeine slowly.

Doctors recommend limiting intake to occasional use, monitoring blood pressure, and opting for healthier energy boosters such as green tea, hydration and sufficient rest.