Energy drinks linked to abnormal heart function

Consuming 32 ounces of caffeinated energy drinks in a short duration could cause heart function abnormalities, a new study finds. Within an hour, 34 healthy volunteers consumed one of two commercially available energy drinks or a placebo: Those who consumed the energy drinks had blood pressure that was slightly elevated compared to those who drank the placebo, although the difference was statistically significant. The energy drink group also had elevated scores on a measure of how long it takes the heart’s ventricles to generate another beat — the longer it takes, the more likely the heartbeat is irregular and the more serious the consequences. More research is needed to tease out the effects of such drinks over the long term.