Limit Energy Drink Intake: UK Man’s Stroke Spurs Doctor Warnings

A UK man suffered a stroke after regularly consuming many energy drinks. Doctors now warn that these popular beverages may increase cardiovascular risks. The patient was reportedly fit and healthy before this incident. He was in his 50s and did not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. He showed up at the hospital with sudden numbness on his left side.
He also struggled with balance, walking, and speech. These are classic stroke symptoms. Doctors discovered he had a stroke in the thalamus. This brain area controls movement and sensory perception. His blood pressure was alarmingly high at 254/150 mm Hg.

🥤 The Caffeine Connection

Doctors gave him medicine to lower his blood pressure. However, it rose again once he went home. They increased the dosage, but the pressure remained high. That is when they learned his habit. He drank about eight energy drinks daily. Each can contained 160 mg of caffeine.
Therefore, his total daily caffeine intake reached 1,280 mg. This amount is more than three times the recommended maximum of 400 mg. After doctors asked him to stop consuming energy drinks, his blood pressure returned to normal. He no longer needed blood pressure medication.

🩺 Calls for Tighter Restrictions

The patient sadly never regained full feeling on his left side. “I obviously wasn’t aware of the dangers,” the patient shared. He still has numbness in his hand and fingers, foot, and toes, even after eight years. Doctors Martha Coyle and Sunil Munshi treated the man. They are calling for tighter restrictions on energy drinks. They want more awareness of potential cardiovascular risks.
They specifically note this risk for younger people. Acute and chronic intake may raise heart disease and stroke risk. Importantly, this risk may be reversible. Clinicians should ask about energy drink consumption in patients. This is necessary if they have unexplained high blood pressure