Heart Rhythm
Energy drinks linked to sudden cardiac arrest in genetically predisposed individuals
June 11, 2024
In this analysis, 5% of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors experienced an SCA near the time they consumed an energy drink. Although larger cohort studies are needed to elucidate the incidence/prevalence and quantify its precise risk, authors conclude that it is prudent to sound an early warning on this potential risk.
- Researchers reviewed electronic medical records of all SCA survivors with proven arrhythmias referred to the Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic for evaluation to identify those who consumed an energy drink before their event.
- Among 144 SCA survivors, 7 (5%; 6 female; mean age at SCA 29 ± 8 years) experienced an unexplained SCA associated temporally with energy drink consumption.
- Of these individuals, 2 had long QT syndrome and 2 had catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; the remaining 3 were diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Three patients (43%) consumed energy drinks regularly. Six patients (86%) required a rescue shock, and 1 was resuscitated manually.
Sources:
(2024, June 6). Elsevier. Doctors Advise Caution as Energy Drinks May Trigger Life-Threatening Cardiac Arrhythmias in Patients with Genetic Heart Diseases. https://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/doctors-advise-caution-as-energy-drinks-may-trigger-life-threatening-cardiac-arrhythmias-in-patients-with-genetic-heart-diseases
Martinez KA, et al. (2024, June 5). Heart Rhythm. Sudden cardiac arrest occurring in temporal proximity to consumption of energy drinks. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38842964/
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