Abubakar Sani, a consultant cardiologist at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, has warned Nigerians against excessive consumption of energy drinks.
There has been an increase in the consumption of energy drinks amongst youths in the Gombe metropolis and its suburbs.
Some youths told journalists that they consumed energy beverages to endure long working hours and enhance sexual performance. Others said they usually mix the drinks with alcohol to “get maximum results.”
Mr Sani, in an interview with journalists on Friday, 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 may be 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.
He stated 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 a 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, and kidneys, 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.
Mr Sani said 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 drinks is more serious for persons with 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 without prompt medical intervention,” he said.
Mr Sani also dismissed misconceptions that taking energy drinks makes one brilliant, warning that the excessive intake of energy drinks 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; and embrace a healthy diet and exercise to improve heart health.
