Energy drinks may raise blood pressure

Posted on Nov 7th 2007 4:34PM by Chris Sparling

Filed Under: HealthWatch, Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

Not that research was actually necessary to ascertain this, but it turns out that caffeinated energy drinks can raise a persons blood pressure.

Products such as Red Bull, Amp, Full Throttle, Jump Up and Down for an Hour (okay, so I made that one up), Monster, and Rush have become the drink of choice for many teenage kids. In particular, many "gamers" (players of video games) are especially fond of these full-energy drinks, as they allow them to play late into the evening without tiring. However, people of all ages have also jumped on board with this trend, calling into question their safety when consumed by, say, a 40-year-old man with a known heart condition.

The problem is, these drinks raise blood pressure and resting heart rate. The study showed no immediate threat from these drinks to people who did not already have high blood pressure. But, as you might expect, people who already had high blood pressure could be at risk.

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Tags: blood pressure, BloodPressure, Chris Sparling, ChrisSparling, energy drinks, EnergyDrinks, Red Bull, RedBull

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Tena 11-07-2007 @ 8:09PM

well Duh!!!

Raquel Lopez 11-07-2007 @ 8:14PM

In other news, stabbing yourself in the eye may cause extreme pain.

average bear 11-07-2007 @ 10:19PM

Now the obvious has been stated---what is the effect of non-caffenated energy drinks such as xcess?

mondo 11-07-2007 @ 8:40PM

news flash!!! dont drink these if your a 40 year old man with a heart condition!!! THANKS AOL

Randy 11-07-2007 @ 8:50PM

This needs to be recognized big time. I believe warnings should be added to the container. My bp normal is 112/68 it shot up to 140/90 after I drank one of the drinks. A friend of mine. 11 yo son. Trying out for baseball, had high bp. Sent to a cardiologist, where they found out the young boy drank an energy drink. Hate to say it. But the USDA or whoever, ought to stick there noses in this one too.

granny 11-07-2007 @ 10:20PM

Hey Randy,
It is not for the government to police what I eat and drink. The knowledge is out there for one and all and if someone does not pay attention........it is there fault. Just like with smoking...we have the warning, heard of the deaths and illnesses and still there are smokers. I am also against law suits for smokers.
I am a diabetic with HBP and I read labels and pay heed to what I read. If an old lady can do it, so can the younger folks that should be better educated then I am..........

Greg 11-07-2007 @ 10:20PM

I have found an energy drink that doesn't raise blood sugar levels and actually burns fat. I drink 2-3 a day and feel great while losing some pounds. It's low glycemic so even diabetics can drink it. Check it out at trimfusion.com.

patty 11-07-2007 @ 10:21PM

duh if u drink excessive amounts of energy drinks all the time i drink red bull that 1 can once a week if u drink 2-3 in a day that's excessive can lead to high blodd pressure. just knowing fiction from realiity knowing how much is good for u how much is bad for u with/ with out going over board

Ralph Garcia 11-07-2007 @ 10:22PM

You forgot to mention that caffeine breaks down bone, skin, and muscle. Yes it leads to osteoparosis. It also breaks down collegen which is what helps keep skin tight. This is why a lot of people who are difficent in calcium get wrinkles and potbellies. It breaks down teeth also. It's no wonder that if you drink this, you'll have problems building muscle as it tries to break everything down. Another thing is heart murmurs and irregular heartbeat. Caffeine contributes to it. If you really want to get energy work out and take vitamins. Put in an extra B complex vitamin. It helps you sleep better. I almost forgot that caffeine also contributes to insomnia. You're better off without it. Thse drinks do not have vitamins. The companies say that because they lobbied by paying politicians under the table.

PRINCE OF PARADISE 11-08-2007 @ 4:56AM

Let me see here.... how might I go about investing in the large corporations that sell these drinks? Do you think they really care how they affect the users ? It is ALL about MONEY !!!! Oh... I hear it is "COOL" to drink these drinks. Well... folks... maybe smoking pot, snorking coke, and injecting the horse is cool too. UMMM.... no thanks.... I am not want ANY of the above products. I live well on a NATURAL HIGH..... Have a great day !!!!!

wht she said 11-07-2007 @ 9:40PM

No shit sherlock...

Lauren 11-07-2007 @ 10:23PM

don't stop drinking energy drinks, just get educated about the ones you choose. check it out: lgordon3.qhealthzone.com

Tejon 11-13-2007 @ 2:15AM

If You Guys Want MORE Info about this check out an article I wrote for The Prace Press at

http://media.www.pacepress.org/media/storage/paper424/news/2007/10/17/Features/Wake-Up.To.The.Risks.Of.Caffeine.And.Energy.Drinks-3035754.shtml

Lauren 11-07-2007 @ 10:23PM

Check out www.bevnet.com for comparison on all types of energy drinks.

lgordon3.qhealthzone.com

pete 11-07-2007 @ 10:23PM

...and this just in: Smoking may be bad for your health...

Belinda 11-08-2007 @ 9:39AM

At one time I drank as many as 4 energy drinks a day. I did this for perhaps 9 months to a year. I was also taking bee pollen for energy. Eventually I stopped because I think I had too much energy. I always got up wide awake very early in the morning. I would then drink another energy drink instead of coffee. I didn't drink red bull or any of those drinks. My energy drink of choice we XS energy drinks. They tasted great. Many didn't have caffene and they still gave me energy. This is where I bought mine,
http://esmith35.qhealthbeauty.com/products/product.aspx?itemno=708912

Pamela 11-08-2007 @ 9:38AM

There is a global company which has developed a proprietary all natural clean energy drink that top pro athletes and entertainers are endorsing. I predict this product will capture a large share of the energy drink market. It's healthy, new, provides an income opportunity and will pleasantly give energy in 10 minutes or less. log on to http://purely4u.bhipglobal.com

Bruce Carter 11-08-2007 @ 9:50AM

there is an energy drink that is not harmful to your body....in fact it is the most beneficial energy drink you can put in you body. a lot of athlete's drink it every day

bowser0703 11-08-2007 @ 9:37AM

Most 16oz energy drinks have around the same amount of caffine as the 16oz mug of coffee most take to work, school, etc. every morning. (Depending on how dark you like your coffee). Here are the REAL problems: 1. Buying a 6 or 12 pack of energy drinks does not mean that they all must be consumed within that same day. A lot of people do this. 2. Energy drinks are NOT for kids, its says so right on the can. It also says something about pregnant women shouldn't drink them. You wouldn't give your 10 year old coffee, so don't give them energy drinks. 3. If you have a known problem with your cardiovascular system, then chances are your doctor has told you to not drink or eat things with a lot of caffine. Cutting down from a 16oz mug to a cup every morning. 4. Energy drinks are meant for times when you NEED the energy, not for everyday lounging...hence the name ENERGY DRINK. The problem isn't the drink itself, its the people drinking it. I have one before class if I don't have time time to make coffee. But I only drink them probably twice, maybe three times a week. I use to drink about 2-3 a day! That is what is bad for you. It's not the drink its fault, its your own. If you are sensitive to caffine...then you should know better.