Why drinking alcohol with energy drinks can put you at risk?

With the end of the year knocking on the door, so do meetings, vacations and that marathon of parties – and, of course, the more constant presence of alcoholic beverages. One combination continues to be popular at clubs and New Year’s gatherings: alcohol and energy drinks. The mixture, popular among drinks and long evenings, may seem harmless, but cardiologists warn that the stimulating effects of energy drinks increase the load on the heart, mask signs of intoxication and increase the risk of arrhythmias.

According to Dr. Fabrício da Silva, cardiologist at Clínica Amplexus, the substances present in both alcohol and energy drinks act directly on the electrical system of the heart, causing tachycardia. The specialist adds that people with structural problems in the heart, such as enlargement or inflammation, are more likely to suffer from serious illnesses.

The combination can also mask the level of intoxication, increasing alcohol consumption and creating a false feeling of energy. For Marcelo Bergamo, cardiologist at Santa Bárbara Hospital, this contradiction between depression of the nervous system (due to alcohol) and cardiovascular stimulation (due to energy) deceives the body. “This can mask the feeling of drunkenness, leading to greater alcohol consumption without perception of immediate risk, and overloading the heart, increasing heart rate and blood pressure,” he says.

Risks increase at the end of the year

Silva and Bergamo claim to observe a higher incidence of heart disease linked to this mixture precisely during the holiday periods. “The end of the year, holidays, meetings and, therefore, people expose themselves to a greater amount of alcohol and those who like drinks that involve alcohol with energy drinks also end up exposing themselves to a greater amount,” explains Silva.

Bergamo confirms that summer and holidays concentrate more cases, especially at parties, bars and high-consumption events. Due to this consumption, young adults, aged 18 to 30, are currently recording the most cases, with a focus on men.

Who is most vulnerable?

Among the most susceptible groups, experts cite the elderly, hypertensives, diabetics and people with a history of arrhythmia or heart disease. But young adults are far from protected. “Even seemingly healthy individuals can experience complications if they overdo it in quantity or frequency,” says Bergamo.

Warning signs

Some of the main symptoms include palpitations, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and pressure in the head. The appearance of intense nausea, mental confusion or feelings of anxiety should also trigger an alert.

“If any of these symptoms appear, it is essential not to ignore them, even if they seem temporary,” says Bergamo. “Seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, staying hydrated also helps. Avoid physical exertion, stay seated or lying down, and if possible, someone should accompany the person. The quicker the care, the lower the risk of serious complications.”

Silva recommends that, if possible, party-goers monitor their heart rate with a smartwatch, but emphasizes that this measure is not a substitute for a medical evaluation.

Repeated exposure increases risk

Frequent consumption throughout life can lead to permanent changes, such as heart enlargement, increased blood pressure, and damage to heart rhythm. “The greater the exposure to substances, the greater the risks,” says Silva.