Consumption of energy drinks results in a marked rise in resting blood pressure, according to a study raising concern that such beverages may increase the risk of cardiac events – even among young people.

Researchers from the US-based Mayo Clinic gave a can of commercially available energy drink or a placebo drink to 25 healthy young adults – aged between 19 and 40 – and assessed changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and 30 minutes after either beverage had been consumed. The blood pressure and heart rates were also compared between caffeine-naive participants (those consuming less than 160mg of caffeine per day on average – the amount frequently found in a cup of coffee) and regular caffeine users (those consuming more than 160mg caffeine per day).

All participants experienced a marked rise in blood pressure after consuming the energy drink, compared to the placebo. The effect was most dramatic in caffeine-naive participants – the blood pressure increase was more than double in these subjects.

“We know that energy drink consumption is widespread and rising among young people,” said lead author of the study Anna Svatikova MD PhD of the Mayo Clinic. “We, and others, have previously shown that energy drinks increase blood pressure. 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.”