A new research has revealed that energy drink consumption causes rise in blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems.

According to lead author Anna Svatikova, a cardiovascular diseases fellow at the Mayo Clinic, the risk of cardiac events is greater among those who are not used to caffeinated drinks.

The researchers conducted the study by giving a can of a commercially available energy drink or a placebo drink to 25 healthy young adults between the ages of 19 to 40. They recorded blood pressure and heart rate before and 30 minutes after energy drink/placebo drink consumption.

They also assessed changes in heart rate and blood pressure between caffeine-naïve participants (those consuming less than 160 mg of caffeine per day, the amount frequently found in a cup of coffee) and regular caffeine users (those consuming more than 160 mg of caffeine per day).

The researchers found that people experienced a marked rise in blood pressure after consuming the energy drink as compared to the placebo.

It was found that the effect was most dramatic in people who did not typically consume much caffeine. The researchers noted that blood pressure doubled in caffeine naïve adults after consuming the energy drink vs. placebo.

Svatikova said, “Now we are seeing that for those not used to caffeine, the concern may be even greater. Consumers should use caution when using energy drinks because they may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, even among young people”.

She added that energy drink consumers should use caution when using energy drinks as they may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems even among young people.

The research findings were presented on March 14 at the American College of Cardiology's 64th Annual Scientific Session in San Diego.