Energy drinks increase heartbeat

Researchers from Germany claim that energy drinks that contain caffeine intensify heart contraction.

10:24 03 December 2013

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany has conducted a study to discover the effect of energy drinks to the functions of the heart. In their research, which was participated by 17 people, they gave the participants a drink containing 32mg per 100ml of caffeine and 400mg per 100ml of taurine. They found that after the participants have consumed the drinks, the researchers have noticed that the chamber of the heart that pumps blood around the body was contracting harder.

Researcher Dr Jonas Dorner said: "Until now, we haven't known exactly what effect these energy drinks have on the function of the heart.

"The amount of caffeine is up to three times higher than in other caffeinated beverages like coffee or cola.

"There are many side effects known to be associated with a high intake of caffeine, including rapid heart rate, palpitations, rise in blood pressure and, in the most severe cases, seizures or sudden death."

Talking about the result of the research, he added: "We've shown that energy drink consumption has a short-term impact on cardiac contractility.

"We don't know exactly how or if this greater contractility of the heart impacts daily activities or athletic performance."