Energy Drink Linked to Cardiac Risk

09/09/08 Research

A study out of Australia indicates the popular Red Bull™ may hasten strokes and heart attacks, even in young people.

Researchers found that drinking 250 mL (one can) of Red Bull caused abnormal thickening of the blood in university students—an abnormality also found in patients with cardiovascular disease. The participants’ blood was tested one hour before and one hour after ingestion.

However, the significance is still a matter of discussion because the results are no different than those of individuals who consume a cup of coffee. Presumably it is the caffeine which affects the consistency of the blood and not just the coffee. A can of Red Bull and a cup of coffee each contain about 80mg of caffeine. A warning on the can discourages consuming more than two cans per day.

The danger is greater among individuals who are under stress, have high blood pressure, or have a predisposition to heart disease. The thickened blood is a high risk factor for blood clotting which leads to heart attacks, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (clogging of a major vessel usually in the legs), or even pulmonary thrombosis which impairs breathing.

Precautions should not be limited to energy drinks; people who drink coffee—especially if they drink more than one cup—should also be cautious. The study mentions nothing about decaf coffee. Red Bull™ has been banned in Uruguay, Norway, and Denmark because of its warning label. Still, it sold 3.5 billion cans last year in 143 countries.

The authors have not yet identified what causes the blood to thicken. Readers should keep in mind caffeine happens to be a diuretic as well as a stimulant. That means it draws fluid from your body to an extent. The thickening may or may not be a result of fluid being lost and not replaced. My suggestion is that if you do opt to stick with caffeine, try increasing your fluid intake. As for me, I’m going to find an alternative. 

Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.