Consuming lots of energy drinks may raise heart disease and stroke risk, say doctors

"Millions of people worldwide regularly drink the products, which are non-alcoholic and typically contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, very high glucose-based sugar content and varying quantities of other chemicals. Doctors in Nottingham, England, sounded the alarm after an otherwise fit and healthy man in his 50s had a stroke and was left with permanent numbness in his hands and feet. On questioning, he said he drank an average of eight energy drinks a day."

"On admission to hospital, the patient's blood pressure was 254/150mmHg, which doctors said was extremely high. He was given drugs to lower his blood pressure. But once back home, his blood pressure rose again and remained persistently high, despite the ramping up of his drug treatment. On further investigation, doctors discovered the extent of his use of energy drinks, totalling 1,200mg of caffeine a day. The recommended maximum intake is 400mg."

"He was asked to give up his daily habit, after which his blood pressure returned to normal. Blood pressure lowering drugs were no longer needed. It was therefore thought to be likely that the patient's consumption of highly potent energy drinks was, at least in part, a contributive factor to his secondary hypertension (high blood pressure) and in turn his stroke, the doctors wrote in BMJ Case Reports."

An otherwise healthy man in his 50s suffered a stroke and persistent numbness after consuming around eight energy drinks daily, totaling about 1,200mg of caffeine. On admission his blood pressure measured 254/150 mmHg and remained high despite treatment. After he stopped drinking energy drinks his blood pressure returned to normal and blood pressure medications were discontinued. His excessive intake exceeded the recommended 400mg daily caffeine limit and contained very high sugar and other chemicals. The consumption was considered a likely contributory factor to secondary hypertension and the subsequent stroke. He suffered lasting neurological deficits.

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