Substance abuse and cardiovascular risk: Energy drinks

The consumption of energy drinks (ED) has become a growing public health issue, since potentially ED-related serious adverse cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, and sudden cardiac death, have been reported in recent years. The substances contained in ED include caffeine, taurine, sugars, B group vitamins and phyto-derivatives, which, especially if taken in large quantities and in a short amount of time, could cause serious side effects through various mechanisms of action, such as increased blood pressure and QT interval prolongation. Although there are still many open questions on ED that require further specific investigations, there is an urgent need for information and educational plans to the population, as well as for regulatory actions, particularly regarding transparency of substances and possible adverse effects.