A man suffered a stroke after consuming eight energy drinks a day. Doctors warn about the risks.
He intensive consumption of energy drinks could represent a serious risk of strokeas doctors warn after documenting a clinical case in the magazine BMJ Case Reports. The patient, a 50 year old manphysically healthy, consumed an average of eight cans a day, each containing 160 mg of caffeine, which amounted to between 1,200 and 1,300 mg per day, well above the recommended limit of 400 mg.
The man suffered a stroke in the thalamusregion of the brain involved in sensory perception and movement. Among the symptoms presented were weakness and numbness on the left side of the bodydifficulties with walking, balance, swallowing and speaking, a group of disorders known as ataxia. Upon entering the hospital, your blood pressure reached 254/150 mm Hgconsidered extremely high.
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After starting treatment with antihypertensive drugsits pressure dropped to 170mmHg; However, once at home, the values rose again despite the treatment adjustment. Once stopped drinking energy drinkshis pressure returned to normal and stopped needing medication. However, the patient stated: “I was obviously not aware of the dangers that energy drinks were causing to my health. I have been left with numbness on the left side of my hand and fingers, as well as my foot and toes, even after 8 years.”
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The authors of the study highlighted that the lack of awareness about cardiovascular risks of these drinks is not surprising, since they are rarely considered a risk factor. They remembered that in 2018supermarkets United Kingdom They prohibited the sale to under 16 years old for reasons of obesity, diabetes and dental cariesbut the cardiovascular risks have been less explored.
The energy drinks contain more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter, glucose-based sugar and other stimulants such as guarana, ginseng, taurine and glucuronolactonewhich can enhance the effects of caffeine and increase risk of stroke. On average, a drink contains 80 mg of caffeine per 250 mlin front of 30 mg in tea and 90 mg in coffeealthough some reach 500 mg
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TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Excessive consumption: More than 400 mg of caffeine per day – equivalent to 4 or 5 cups of coffee or several energy drinks – can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risks.
Risk of stroke: Not all cases lead to a strokebut a excessive consumption can contribute to cconditions that favor it.
Other stimulants: Ingredients like guarana, ginseng and taurine They enhance the stimulating and cardiovascular effects.
The authors conclude that, although it is a clinical case onlythe accumulated evidence about the risks of energy drinks and its high associated morbidity and mortality justify reinforcing the regulation of its sale and advertising, especially aimed at young people.
The case highlights the importance of moderation in the consumption of energy drinks and the need for more public information about its health risks, especially cardiovascular. Doctors recommend limiting intake and being attentive to signs of hypertension or discomfort, to prevent serious consequences such as strokes.
