Shortly after consumption, your systolic rate increases by over 7.5% and diastolic raises 7% and heart rate is up 7-10 beats per minute. And why is this? Here ya go…

Most energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and taurine, an amino acid also found in protein-containing foods such as meats and fish. Both have had effects on heart function and blood pressure in some studies. In contrast, “sports drinks” in general contain various mixtures of water, sugars and salts alone, without chemicals aimed at increasing “energy” or alertness.

The study also concluded that the effectiveness of medication could also be decreased. That’s not good! Don’t even get me started on the whole Red Bull and Vodka thing! Haha.

via Science Daily

Post from: Blisstree

Popular Energy Drinks Like Red Bull Can Cause Cardiac Complications

I had a female patients who at 51 years old has had 2 bypass’, 5 way each, surgeries, 16 stents placed, 18 catherizations in all, 5 MI’s, and an EF, ejection fraction, of 25%. So…. she might be able to squeeze in 1 more bypass, but with the heart muscle being compromised that is chancy.

She did indeed have a negative stress test on this admission, which is good, but how darn scary! I sat with her a bit yesterday afternoon and we spoke about diet, exercise and lifestyles, as well as the familial presence behind heart disease.

I asked her if she has put herself on the transplant list. Her answer was a very profound no. What? “I have had so many procedures, take so many medicines, have to live in such a way that if they can do another bypass, that’s great, and if not, I guess I will be in the hands of God”.

Wow! I was at a loss for words for a second, which NEVER happens. I guess when you have had enough, you have had enough. Even at the very young age of 51. Heart disease is no joke!

What would you do if this was you? Would you want a transplant or would you leave it up to a higher power?

Nursing certainly keeps it all in perspective for me, that’s for sure!

Post from: Blisstree

Heart Disease Is Too Scary, Even For A Cardiac Nurse