Energy Drinks & Exercise: Woman’s Cardiac Arrest Raises Health Concerns
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A 20-year-old woman is said to have experienced cardiac arrest following the consumption of a widely used energy drink prior to engaging in weightlifting. According to her family, her heart and lungs were in a severely compromised state. Nevertheless, medical professionals have not established a definitive link between energy drinks and incidents of cardiac arrest. It is important to note that energy drinks, which are often associated with increased energy and heightened alertness, may have certain side effects. These beverages typically contain ingredients such as caffeine and sugar or artificial sweeteners, which could potentially impact the heart, kidneys, and digestive system. It is essential to evaluate whether consuming energy drinks before exercising is advisable.
A woman suffers cardiac arrest after consuming an energy drink.
In November 2024, Jazmin Garza, a 20-year-old from the United States, took a few sips of a popular energy drink before beginning her weightlifting session with her boyfriend. Shortly after consuming the drink, she reportedly collapsed, exhibiting convulsions and a nosebleed. She lost her pulse, prompting her boyfriend to initiate CPR. Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly thereafter and continued resuscitation efforts. After several minutes, they successfully restored her heart function.
Energy drinks may pose risks to cardiovascular health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock When she experienced cardiac arrest, her heart and lungs were severely compromised. Reports indicate that her stomach and kidneys also ceased functioning. Although the recovery took time, prompt intervention was crucial.Does the consumption of energy drinks prior to exercise impact heart health? While a definitive connection between energy drinks and cardiac arrest was not established in the case of Jazmin Garza, these beverages can have a considerable effect on heart health, particularly when ingested before physical activity. They are known to contain elevated levels of caffeine and other compounds that may adversely affect the cardiovascular systems of consumers, as highlighted in a study published in the Anatolian Journal of Cardiology in 2017. Nutritionist Rakshita Mehra states, "Energy drinks are loaded with high doses of caffeine, sugar, and stimulants that can overstimulate the cardiovascular system, leading to various health issues."
1. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
These beverages typically contain caffeine levels ranging from 150 to 300 milligrams (mg) per can, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the "fight or flight" response. "This can result in a rapid heart rate and heightened blood pressure during or prior to exercise. In certain instances, this may disrupt the heart's normal rhythm (arrhythmia), thereby increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest," explains the expert.
2. Increased risk of heart attack due to constricted blood vessels
Consuming energy drinks before engaging in physical activity can lead to the constriction of blood vessels, thereby diminishing the oxygen supply to the heart. "This poses a significant risk, particularly during vigorous workouts when the heart requires additional oxygen and blood flow. Insufficient oxygen can result in chest pain or even a heart attack," warns the expert.
3. Increased risk of dehydration
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, potentially leading to dehydration, particularly when coupled with perspiration from physical activity. An expert notes, "Dehydration can thicken the blood, increasing the likelihood of blood clots, which raises the risk of a stroke or heart attack."
Additional possible side effects of consuming energy drinks prior to exercise include:
1. Insomnia
Ingesting energy drinks before a workout, especially in the evening, can disrupt sleep patterns, resulting in inadequate recovery and muscle fatigue. An expert explains, "Caffeine remains in the system for approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it more difficult to both fall asleep and maintain sleep."
2. Digestive issues
Consuming energy drinks before exercising is inadvisable, even in the morning. "These beverages are acidic and may lead to acid reflux and bloating, particularly when taken on an empty stomach," states Mehra. The artificial sweeteners and additives present in these drinks can disturb gut microbiota, potentially causing digestive discomfort and diarrhoea.
3. Blood sugar spikes
The elevated sugar levels in these drinks provide a rapid energy surge, which can be beneficial during workouts. However, as noted by an expert, "This is often followed by a significant drop in blood sugar, leaving you feeling fatigued and sluggish, so it is advisable to avoid energy drinks before exercising."
Energy drinks may affect your kidneys. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
4. May affect the kidneys
Consuming energy drinks prior to exercise may adversely affect kidney function. A 2023 study published in Nutrients identified a correlation between energy drink consumption and various kidney issues, including renal failure. These beverages are typically high in caffeine, which serves as a diuretic, thereby increasing urine production and potentially resulting in dehydration. Dehydration can place significant strain on the kidneys, impairing their waste filtration capabilities. Furthermore, it may facilitate the formation of kidney stones by enhancing calcium excretion and dehydration, which can lead to the crystallization of substances in urine.
5. May have a negative effect on lungs
Additionally, the intake of energy drinks before physical activity may have detrimental effects on lung health. A 2024 study published in Heart & Lung found a positive correlation between caffeine consumption, prevalent in energy drinks, and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as lung function impairment. The elevated caffeine levels in these drinks can lead to overstimulation of the nervous system, resulting in rapid breathing (hyperventilation) or shortness of breath. Moreover, the excessive sugar content in these pre-workout beverages may contribute to chronic inflammation, which could adversely impact lung health over time, according to expert Mehra.
Excessive consumption, particularly on a daily basis, is detrimental to health. Experts recommend that healthy individuals limit themselves to one small energy drink, containing a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine, occasionally, and advise against mixing it with alcohol due to increased cardiovascular risks. It is advisable to avoid energy drinks before workouts; instead, consider natural pre-workout options such as bananas and coconut water for an energy boost.
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