Energy drinks boost blood pressure

RESEARCHERS AT WAYNE State University have found that energy drinks, which often have high levels of caffeine and the amino acid taurine, can adversely affect heart function and blood pressure. They found that drinking two cans of a popular energy drink increased blood pressure and heart rate in 15 healthy adults with an average age of 26.

"While energy drinks increase concentration and wakefulness, people with risk factors for heart disease could have a bad reaction, " study leader James Kalus noted.