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.