Common consumption in adolescence, many hospitalizations
A new study published in Cureus - a reviewed international medical journal specializing in publishing case reports and clinical overviews - warns that energy drinks can pose serious risks to children and adolescents' cardiovascular health. Experts call on families and doctors to be cautious in the face of increasing consumption trends.
According to research on Cureus, about 30 - 50% of adolescents and young people use energy drinks regularly. Analysis of 32 case reports and 19 clinical trials showed that many cases had to be hospitalized due to post-chondral chest pain, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, nausea, violent vomiting, and even sudden cardiac arrest.
Risk of arrhythmia and acute hypertension
The authors focused on assessing the effects of caffeine, taurine and other stimulants in energy drinks on heart rate, electrocardiogram transmission and myocardial flow. The results recorded 20 cases of arrhythmia, including supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia that could be life-threatening.
Some clinical trials showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly within just one hour after drinking a whole can. Worryingly, the report also mentioned events of myocardial ischemia, spontaneous coronary dissection, and coronary artery blockage in previously healthy adolescents.
Professor John Higgins - a sports cardiologist at McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston - said: "The heart of children is more sensitive to stimulants. When combined with many ingredients such as caffeine and taurine, the risk of arrhythmia and high blood pressure can increase sharply, especially if used before high-intensity exercise.
High-risk groups need to be carefully screened
Research emphasizes higher risk in children with undiagnosed heart disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or medication that affects the cardiovascular system. Using energy drinks with alcohol or pre-training drinks further increases the burden on the heart.
Experts recommend not giving children under 18 years old products containing high levels of caffeine, guarana or taurine; avoid drinking large amounts in a short time; and pediatricians need to proactively ask about the habit of using energy drinks during regular check-ups. In the context of the increasingly popular "energy-boosting" trend, protecting the developing heart of children needs to be prioritized.
