Doctors at Nottingham University Hospitals, part of the UK's National Health Service (NHS), have reported the case of a man in his fifties who was in good health before suffering a sudden stroke. The patient exhibited weakness on his left side, impaired balance, and difficulty swallowing and speaking .
The MRI scan revealed that the patient had suffered an ischemic stroke caused by a blockage in a small blood vessel . Upon arrival at the hospital, his blood pressure readings were dangerously high , reaching 254/150 mmHg, while normal blood pressure ranges between 90/60 and 120/80 mmHg.
According to a report published in the journal BMJ Case Reports, doctors began lowering the patient's blood pressure using specialized medications, and were initially successful, but the high blood pressure returned as soon as he left the hospital despite increased doses of treatment.
In a follow-up, doctors discovered that the patient was consuming about eight cans of energy drinks a day , each containing 160 mg of caffeine, which raised his daily intake to about 1200–1300 mg, three times the recommended limit of 400 mg .
After he completely stopped consuming these drinks, his blood pressure returned to normal levels within a week , and he no longer needed blood pressure-lowering medication, as his readings ranged between 120 and 130/80 mmHg.
Doctors have confirmed that consuming highly concentrated energy drinks is likely a contributing factor to high blood pressure and stroke . While the evidence is not conclusive, research suggests a possible link between these drinks and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in both the short and long term.
The study team called for stricter regulation of energy drink sales and a reduction in advertising campaigns targeting young people . They also advised healthcare workers to inquire about their consumption when dealing with young patients suffering from unexplained high blood pressure or a stroke .
Eight years after his injury, the patient said: "I was unaware of the dangers of energy drinks. The numbness in my left hand, fingers, and feet still accompanies me to this day."
The report indicated that a typical energy drink contains approximately 80 mg of caffeine per 250 ml serving , compared to 30 mg in tea and 90 mg in coffee, while some varieties can reach up to 500 mg per serving. These drinks also contain ingredients such as guarana, taurine, ginseng, and glucuronolactone, which may enhance the effects of caffeine, potentially increasing the risk of stroke and high blood pressure through various mechanisms.
