By Peter Uwumarogie
Dr Abubakar Sani, a Consultant Cardiologist at Federal Teaching Hospital,
Gombe, has warned Nigerians against excessive consumption of energy drinks.
Medical Experts have observed that there has been an increased consumption of
energy drinks amongst youths in Gombe metropolis and suburbs.
Some youths confessed that they consumed energy beverages to endure long
working hours and enhance sexual performance.
Some others said they usually mix the drinks with alcohol to “get maximum
result”.
Dr. Sani, however, described the excessive consumption of the stimulant-packed
beverages as a “time bomb” for heart health, especially among young people.
He stated that the surge in energy drink consumption especially among young
people posed risks that maybe far more serious than most consumers realise.
According to him, with cardiovascular diseases becoming a major contributory
factor to the leading cause of deaths in developing countries, it has become
imperative for youths to stay away from such drinks, stating that there were
cardiovascular hazards associated with heavy consumption of energy drinks, such
as raising the risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes while posing serious
risk of stroke.
“These (energy) drinks can disrupt the heart’s electrical rhythm and activities and
make blood vessels stiff, which increases the chances of dangerous irregularities in
heartbeat. Energy drinks are rich in caffeine, sugar and other extracts that affect
most parts of our body from the heart, to the nervous system, brain, liver, kidney
amongst others.
“For the sake of your heart health, stay away from energy drinks; they are not safe
and their complications may take time but they will surely come,” he warned.
Sani said that recent studies had attributed the risk of heart disease amongst youths
to excessive energy drink consumption, staying up late, poor dieting and lack of
exercise.
According to the cardiologist, the cost of excessive consumption of energy drink is
more serious for persons having an underlying heart condition.
“The combination of high caffeine levels and added stimulants can strain the heart
far more than most people realise.
“Youths must avoid these drinks, as energy beverages can affect the heart and, in
severe cases, trigger cardiac arrest and even death,” he said.
Sani also dismissed misconceptions that taking energy drinks make one brilliant,
warning that the excessive intake of energy drink could lead to mental health
issues, such as increased anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep difficulties.
He advised Nigerians to stay away from energy, alcoholic and sugary drinks, avoid
high salt intake and processed foods while embracing good dieting and exercise to
improve heart health.
