Vnitr Lek 2026, 72(1):52-55 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2026.008

Blood pressure and energy drinks

Markéta Sovová, Eliška Sovová

Klinika tělovýchovného lékařství a kardiovaskulární rehabilitace, LF UP a FN Olomouc

Energy drinks (ED) contain a combination of stimulants, mainly caffeine and taurine, which affect the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Their consumption is growing among the population, especially among young people, which increases interest in their possible health effects. Caffeine increases sympathetic activity, peripheral vascular resistance, and blood pressure, while taurine may have partially protective effects. Other ingredients in energy drinks, such as carbohydrates and plant extracts, may contribute to metabolic and autonomic changes. Short-term use of energy drinks leads to an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and hemodynamic parameters; these effects are more pronounced with high caffeine content. Serious complications, including arrhythmias and ischemic events, have been reported mainly in predisposed individuals or when ED is combined with alcohol. The long-term effects on the development of hypertension have not yet been sufficiently studied. Given the potential risk, it is recommended to limit the consumption of ED, especially in children, adolescents, and individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: energy drinks, caffeine, taurine, pathophysiological mechanisms effect on hemodynamics blood pressure.

Accepted: February 3, 2026; Published: February 12, 2026  Show citation