Single-shot of caffeinated energy drinks may raise systolic and diastolic BP

USA:Energy drinks" have been associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. A total of 34 deaths associated with these products have been reported as of June 2014. However effect of energy drinks on blood pressure and ECG parameters is not known.

A single shot of a caffeinated energy drink did not alter ECG parameters but raised systolic and diastolic BPs, says a new study in the American Journal of Cardiology. The elevations in blood pressure however were not sustained with chronic consumption. 

The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted by Sachin A. Shah, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, and colleagues with an aim to assess the effects of single and multiple caffeinated energy shots on hemodynamic and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters. 

The study included otherwise healthy volunteers (n = 26) where a caffeinated energy shot or matching placebo was ingested. The study drink was consumed twice daily for 7 days during each phase, with a 7-day washout period in between. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration, and QT and QTc intervals were the primary endpoints of interest. Evaluation of all parameters were done at baseline, 1, 3, and 5 hours on the first and seventh day of each phase. 

 The researchers concluded, "we found that a single shot of a caffeinated energy drink significantly raised systolic and diastolic BPs. However, these elevations were not maintained with chronic consumption. ECG parameters were not altered."

Reference:

The study titled, "Effects of Single and Multiple Energy Shots on Blood Pressure and Electrocardiographic Parameters," was published in The American Journal of Cardiology.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.11.017