Study Finds Energy Drinks Alter Heart Function Offering Reason For Red Bull Death

by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.

When 33 year old non-smoking father Cory Terry died playing basketball after consuming Red Bull, a wave of concern over the safety of energy drinks was unleashed (See our October 30, 2013 blog entitled "Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Red Bull").  Many believe that energy drinks contain potentially dangerous levels of stimulants and additives, while others believe they are a quick and safe solution to fatigue.

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conducted an ongoing study to determine how energy drinks, which commonly contain taurine and caffeine, affected the heart.  Researchers from the University of Bonn, Germany, utilized cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after their subjects consumed energy drinks.  The findings showed that heart contraction rates in otherwise healthy adults, was "significantly increased" one hour after consumption.  Further, that there was "significantly increased peak strain and peak systolic strain rates in the left ventricle of the heart."  The researchers in this limited study, believe additional studies are warranted to determine the mechanism and long lasting effects of energy drinks.  Representatives of Monster Beverage Corp. stated that they found the study to be "alarmist and misleading."  

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