Want Higher Blood Pressure? Get Yourself an Energy Drink

[Next Year]

http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?p...f-2634804672dd

When consumers pop open an energy drink, they're probably expecting a jolt of get-up-and-go, not higher blood pressure and an erratic heartbeat.



But a new study presented at the American Heart Association's meeting in New Orleans found that the energy drinks can, over time, lead to an irregular heartbeat and even death, reports Bloomberg News.


It's the latest bad news for makers of energy drinks such as Monster Beverage (MNST -3.67%) and Red Bull, which have come under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration. As my colleague Jason Notte reported in January, a survey of hospitals found that emergency room visits tied to energy drinks doubled from 2007 to 2011.


With the latest study, its lead author says people, especially those with existing heart conditions, should be cautious when drinking the beverages.


"Everything is good in moderation. Drink them within the limits that have been provided and be vigilant of what else you’re consuming with it," Sachin Shah, the lead study author and an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., told Bloomberg.


It's not clear if the high caffeine content or another ingredient is to blame, and the heart changes don't seem to be lasting, the story notes.

Get some sunlight and a cup of joe.

[ktguen]

Drank a decent amount of energy drinks my freshman and sophomore year of college. That, combined with slight weight gain and weird sleeping habits lead to me developing an irregular heart beat. Had to wear a monitor and everything. I avoid them like the plague now. I eliminated almost all caffeine from my diet.

My PVCs have decreased slightly so I'm able to have some coffee and tea here and there without and a problem, which I'm thankful for. haha. But I still don't mess with those drinks.

[bmccall]

Originally Posted by ktguen

Drank a decent amount of energy drinks my freshman and sophomore year of college. That, combined with slight weight gain and weird sleeping habits lead to me developing an irregular heart beat. Had to wear a monitor and everything. I avoid them like the plague now. I eliminated almost all caffeine from my diet.

My PVCs have decreased slightly so I'm able to have some coffee and tea here and there without and a problem, which I'm thankful for. haha. But I still don't mess with those drinks.

I've been in an eerily similar situation myself. Only mine were PACs instead of PVCs.

Are you me?

[garnet_black215]

Never had the first sip of an energy drink. This confirms prior and future decisions.

People have to understand that these drinks cause more harm than good in the long run.

[Next Year]

to be fair, I think that part of the problem is overindulgence too

I'd probably be perfect fine and functional drinking a can or two of cocktane or redbull rather than 8 cups of black coffee everyday.

[lance_uppercut]

To answer your question; I dont believe anyone wants higher blood pressure.

[Luke Skycocker]

Never had one, never will

[FlorenceCock]

They are absolutely terrible for you. I don't know why anyone would want to drink them. It is essentially intentionally putting slow acting poison in your body.

[cockymac]

My cardiologist says that those energy drinks are as bad for your heart as smoking is.

[usc90grad]

I've had a few Monster Energy drinks in the past when I needed an extra boost of energy. But the crash you experience afterwards isn't worth it.

[FanofCarolina1]

I prefer a fresh hot cup of coffee in the morning.

[GoCCUChants]

So it is bad that I just drank a Red Bull?

[acejrock]

Originally Posted by GoCCUChants

So it is bad that I just drank a Red Bull?

It's only ok if you did it while completing an extreme sport or challenge.

[acejrock]

My question is who doesn't know they are bad for health?

[cockypanther]

Originally Posted by acejrock

My question is who doesn't know they are bad for health?

You'd be surprised... Like people who grow up drinking nothing but sweet tea and soda and wonder why they are overweight and have diabetes.

[FloydTheBarber]

Originally Posted by cockypanther

You'd be surprised... Like people who grow up drinking nothing but sweet tea and soda and wonder why they are overweight and have diabetes.

I will never get over the number of people who sincerely say "I just don't like water"

Pathetic.

[johnnyb]

Originally Posted by FloydTheBarber

I will never get over the number of people who sincerely say "I just don't like water"

Pathetic.

I dont like several "bottled waters" but I like tap (Well in my case) water, I do like something with flavor when I eat a meal, but I dont have to have it so...

[usc90grad]

Originally Posted by FloydTheBarber

I will never get over the number of people who sincerely say "I just don't like water"

Pathetic.

I love when someone says they don't like the taste of water.

[uscjeremynca]

Originally Posted by FloydTheBarber

I will never get over the number of people who sincerely say "I just don't like water"

I drink two things - water and soda. Since the beginning of March, I've tried to drink all water. I've had a total of 3 sodas the entire month. So I messed up a little. However, drinking water is one of the healthiest things you can do.

[TheUSCMike]

Originally Posted by FloydTheBarber

I will never get over the number of people who sincerely say "I just don't like water"

Pathetic.

I can understand people not liking chlorinated water, that doesn't make them pathetic.
I've had good and bad well water.
I've had good spring water also had some that was heavy on sulfer.
I've had good and bad water from artesian wells.
There is such a thing as bad tasting water.