Doctors Warn of Stroke Risks Linked to Energy Drink Overconsumption

A recent case study highlights serious health risks associated with excessive energy drink consumption, particularly regarding stroke risk. A previously healthy 50-year-old man in the United Kingdom suffered a stroke, which his doctors believe was linked to his intake of up to eight energy drinks daily.

The findings, published in BMJ Case Reports, underscore the potential dangers of these popular beverages, which are often perceived as harmless. Martha Doyle, a stroke doctor at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, stated, “Energy drinks are not currently widely seen as dangerous for cardiovascular risks… the public has little awareness of the more hidden risks they pose.”

Upon admission to the hospital, the man exhibited sudden numbness on his left side, alongside a dangerously high blood pressure reading of 254/150. Normal blood pressure typically ranges around 120/80, while levels above 180/120 are categorized as a “hypertensive crisis.” Medical tests confirmed that he had suffered a mild stroke and he was hospitalized for three days for treatment.

Despite an apparent recovery, follow-up visits revealed that the man’s blood pressure remained alarmingly high, prompting additional hospital visits and medication adjustments. During a detailed examination, he revealed his significant consumption of energy drinks—averaging eight per day, each containing 160 milligrams of caffeine. This amounts to over 1.3 grams of caffeine daily, exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 400 milligrams for a typical adult by more than three times.

Interestingly, the man had no common risk factors for stroke, such as a history of smoking or alcohol use. Comprehensive tests ruled out other potential causes for his stroke, leading doctors to conclude that his energy drink consumption was a primary contributor. “We attribute this patient’s stroke to the effects of his energy drink consumption,” Doyle explained.

After agreeing to eliminate energy drinks from his diet, the man experienced a noticeable improvement. Within a week, his blood pressure began returning to normal levels, and he was eventually able to discontinue his antihypertensive medication. Eight years later, his blood pressure remains stable, although he continues to deal with some residual numbness.

Reflecting on his experience, the patient remarked, “I obviously wasn’t aware of the dangers drinking energy drinks were causing to myself. I have been left with numbness in my left hand side and fingers, foot and toes even after eight years.”

The medical community has increasingly scrutinized the health risks associated with energy drinks, which often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar. These ingredients can lead to chronic hypertension and other cardiovascular complications. High caffeine consumption may cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict suddenly or trigger arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats.

Notably, there have been instances of severe health issues linked to energy drink consumption. For example, two heart-related fatalities in the United States between 2022 and 2023 were associated with Panera Bread’s highly caffeinated “Charged Lemonade.” Following these incidents, Panera removed the product from its menu and settled lawsuits related to these deaths.

Despite such cases, many individuals remain unaware of the potential health risks associated with energy drinks. Doctors argue that increased regulation of these products may be warranted, particularly since they are often marketed to younger audiences.

Doyle concluded, “Whether health authorities should be actively intervening we cannot definitively conclude from our reporting of just this case. However, it would be beneficial to get this out there so if any similar cases exist they can be brought to attention.”

As public awareness grows, individuals are encouraged to monitor their caffeine intake, especially from energy drinks, to safeguard their health.