Energy Drinks May Cause Extreme Blood Pressure Spikes and Strokes
Energy drinks can be helpful for a quick boost to get you through the day. But the side effects of excessive caffeine consumption can affect more than just your mind.
The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a case report about a man in his 50s who suffered a stroke.
He experienced weakness on the left side of his body, numbness, and ataxia, which is a neurological condition of poor coordination and balance. The man’s blood pressure reached 254/150 which is significantly higher than a normal blood pressure. A hypertensive, or high blood pressure crisis, starts at 180/120 and is considered a medical emergency.
He drank more than eight cans of energy drinks a day, each containing 160 milligrams of caffeine leading him to consume about 1,280 milligrams of caffeine a day.
The BMJ article explored the connection between energy drink consumption and risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease. A moderate amount of daily caffeine consumption sets the limit to 400 milligrams, which is equal to about four cups of coffee.
Drinking caffeine causes a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure as it creates the ‘awake’ effect in your brain. But the immediate change can also raise the risk of stroke, especially for people who either rarely or excessively consume caffeine. In the BMJ case, the man who suffered a stroke reported normal blood pressure levels once he quit energy drinks.
What are some behaviors that contribute to stroke?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, certain lifestyle choices can contribute to a person’s risk for stroke. These include:
- Lack of exercise
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Eating high fat, high cholesterol, and salty foods
What are some risk factors for stroke?
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sickle cell disease
- Atrial fibrillation, which is a kind of irregular heart rhythm
To learn more about stroke treatment offered by Jackson Health System, click here.