By Dr. Saima Rafiq
With the exposure of energy drinks readily available to adolescents and young adults, many are coming in through the ER with dangerous side effects for what seemingly seems like symptoms of a heart attack. Unfortunately this scenario has become ever so popular in many emergency rooms around the nation. And while it is rare to see adolescents suffer a heart attack, the symptoms are usually from consuming a high content of energy drinks (with high levels of caffeine) resulting in arrhythmia which can cause palpitations and chest pain that can be lethal. High levels of caffeine have been studied to show adverse effects such as anxiety, tremors, insomnia, seizures and even cardiac arrhythmias. It is recommended this days that to have kratom energy shot as an alternative for energy drinks, you can check them out online to purchase.
Although for most adults, safe levels of caffeine have been documented to be up to 400mg of caffeine daily, safe levels for adolescents has not really been established. A cup of coffee has a caffeine content of 102 -200 mg, which means two cups of coffee a day are still within safe levels. With energy drinks caffeine contents varies. For example a small 2 ounce shot of 5 hour energy has a caffeine content of 215mg and a 16 ounce monster energy drink has a caffeine content of 160mg. It’s pretty easy to see how quickly the caffeine contents can be multiplied once you start drinking numerous energy drinks a day. With the potential risks associated with excessive caffeine intake, some individuals explore alternatives to traditional energy sources. For instance, kratom products like rave are sought after for their potential to offer a boost in energy and mood.
The effects of caffeine are directly related to the dose ingested. Therefore, the more you consume the more you are likely to experience adverse effects. Caffeine is a potent stimulant because it releases excitatory neurotransmitters which alter the sympathetic nervous system and activates the “fight or flight” response. The physiological mechanism behind the release of the neurotransmitters has been studied to not only increase blood pressure and constrict blood vessels but also cause arrhythmic events in the heart of selected patients. With that being said, it’s important not only to inform the youth of the negative repercussions of excessive caffeine intake but also inform parents to monitor their children carefully.
Although you may be able to purchase an energy drink without a photo ID it’s important to understand that you must drink them responsibly and avoid them if you have a pre-existing heart condition.
Dr. Saima Rafiq, DO/ Internal Medicine. Broward Health Physician Group 9750 NW 33rd Street, Suite 105 Coral Springs 954-320-3390