Heat and energy drinks: a combination that may raise blood pressure and threaten the heart

 

Dr. Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist, points out that overweight people should avoid energy drinks in hot weather.

According to her, even in a healthy person, a single can of energy drink in hot weather can cause rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure.

She says: "There are groups that are more at risk. For example, people with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and heart rhythm disorders should avoid energy drinks even in cold weather. They are also prohibited for children and teenagers, because their body temperature and metabolism are less stable compared to adults, their heart and blood vessels are more sensitive to stimulants, and lower body weight increases the effect of caffeine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, diabetics, overweight people, as well as those taking antidepressants, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and some antibiotics, should also avoid energy drinks."

The doctor points out that the main active ingredients in energy drinks are caffeine and sugar, which provide an immediate boost of energy and activity, but their effect in hot weather can be unpredictable, and even dangerous.

She says: "Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increases heart rate, and raises blood pressure. In hot weather, the heart and blood vessels work under increased stress; to increase heat dissipation, superficial blood vessels dilate, the heart pumps more blood, and the pulse quickens. Caffeine contributes to increased heart rate and vasoconstriction, which can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure."

She added: "Dehydration is another risk, as caffeine is a diuretic. While this effect is limited under normal circumstances, in hot weather, when the body loses large amounts of fluids through sweating, stimulating urination may increase the risk of dehydration. Severe dehydration can increase the risk of blood clots, and the loss of electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, can impair heart function."

It notes that caffeine can mask some of the effects of alcohol, as a person may not feel truly intoxicated despite elevated blood alcohol levels. This can increase the risk of intoxicated behaviors, and combining alcohol with energy drinks can increase the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion, including heatstroke.