Acute effects of Red Bull energy drink on ventricular repolarization in healthy young volunteers: a prospective study

Abstract

Objective: Energy drinks (EDs) are widely consumed products of the beverage industry and are often chosen by teenagers and young adults. Several adverse cardiovascular events and malignant cardiac arrhythmias following consumption of EDs have been reported in the literature. Several studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp-e) may correspond to the dispersion of repolarization and that an increased Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. This study investigated the acute effects of Red Bull ED on ventricular repolarization as assessed by the Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio. Methods: A prospective, open-label study design was used. After an 8-h fast, 50 young, healthy subjects consumed 355 mL of Red Bull ED. The Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc ratio, and several other electrocardiographic parameters were measured at baseline and 2 h after ingestion of Red Bull ED. Results: No significant changes in the Tp-e interval or Tp-e/QTc ratio were observed with Red Bull ED consumption. Red Bull ED consumption led to increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, which were associated with an increased heart rate. Conclusion: Although ingestion of Red Bull ED increases the heart rate and diastolic and systolic blood pressures, it does not cause alterations in ventricular repolarization as assessed by the Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio. (Anatol J Cardiol 2015; 15: 919-22)

Energy Drinks and Their Impact on the Cardiovascular System: Potential Mechanisms

“…In support of these studies are those that measured cardiovascular parameters for $60 min; for example, Elitok et al (37) reported an increase in heart rate and blood pressure in response to the ingestion of 355 mL sugared Red Bull at 60 and 120 min postconsumption, whereas Worthley et al (32) showed an increase in blood pressure at 60 min postconsumption of 250 mL of a sugar-free Red Bull-like drink with no change observed after carbonated water ingestion. Moreover, Steinke et al (30) showed significant increases in heart rate (+5-7 beats/min), as well as in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (+4-8 mm Hg) between 60 and 240 min postconsumption of 500 mL of an ED that was similar in composition to Red Bull.…”

Sports, energy drinks, and sudden cardiac death: stimulant cardiac syndrome

“…It is known that several stimulants are included in formulas of different energy drinks. More credible is the argument that energy drinks affect the cardiovascular conduction system and lead to catastrophic events via lethal arrhythmias (1, 2). The aim to achieve higher levels of athletic performance and academic success leads to a gradual increase in consumption in the young population.…”

A little Red Bull may give you wings, but it probably will not affect your Tpe

“…In this issue of the Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, Elitok et al (8) reported on the electrocardiographic effects of Red Bull. (8) They had particular interest in Red Bull’s effects on ventricular repolarization.…”

“…(8) They had particular interest in Red Bull’s effects on ventricular repolarization. The dispersion of ventricular repolarization (DVR), as indicated by a longer interval between the T wave’s peak and end (Tpe or Tpe/QT), correlates with arrhythmic risk in multiple populations (9-15).…”

“…Elitok et al (8) should be congratulated for their interest in exposing potentially dangerous effects of popular EDs. More studies are required for us to declare Red Bull consumption to be harmless.…”