Acute Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Central Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamics

Energy drink (ED) consumption has increased over the past few decades, and it is particularly high in young men. ED-associated hospitalizations and serious cardiovascular complications, including death, have also increased during the same period. Based on a meta-analysis, acute ED consumption is associated with elevated peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), an important predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Stimulants found in EDs have been associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity leading to increased vascular smooth muscle tone, vasoconstriction and in turn increased arterial stiffness. However, the acute effects of ED consumption on arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics—stronger predictors of CVD risk than peripheral BP—remain understudied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that acute consumption of a popular ED would adversely impact central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics. Sixteen healthy young males (mean±SD: 21±2 years) participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants consumed an ED or a placebo beverage, in random order, on 2 experimental visits with at least 1 week washout between visits. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV)—an index of central arterial stiffness—and central hemodynamics including aortic systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure (aoSBP, aoDBP and aoPP, respectively) were assessed using SphygmoCor XCEL at baseline and 1 hour and 2 hours post-consumption (1HRpost and 2HRpost). We found that in response to ED, cfPWV did not significantly change from baseline to 1HRpost (means±SE: 6.3±0.2 vs. 6.5±0.2 m/s, P=0.098) but increased at 2HRpost (6.3±0.2 vs. 6.6±0.2 m/s; baseline vs. 2HRpost, P=0.004; Beverage x Time, P=0.005). Importantly, cfPWV did not change in response to placebo (6.5±0.1 vs. 6.4±0.2 vs. 6.4±0.2 m/s; baseline vs. 1HRpost vs. 2HRpost, P≥0.6). There was no significant Beverage x Time interaction for aoSBP, aoDBP and aoPP (P≥0.1). In conclusion, acute ED consumption leads to increased central arterial stiffness and no change in central pressures up to 2 hours post-consumption in healthy young males. Future investigations should extend our findings in healthy young women and in populations at risk for cardiovascular complications. Additionally, the chronic cardiovascular effects of ED consumption merit further investigation. This work was supported by the Gatorade Trust through funds distributed by the University of Florida, Department of Medicine. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2025 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.