Energy Drink-Associated Cardiomyopathy after Excessive Consumption: A Case Report

Abstract

The basic components of energy drinks include caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, and sugar. The excessive consumption of energy drinks has been associated with cardiovascular events such as tachycardia and myocardial infarction in the literature. We herein describe a 24-year-old man admitted to the emergency department. The patient's medical history and family history were unremarkable. It was, however, learned that he had consumed 8 to 10 cans of energy drinks per day (3.5-4 Lit/d) in the 2-week period leading to the hospital admission. Physical examination revealed bilateral diffuse rales and 2+ pretibial edema. Echocardiography showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25% with global left ventricular hypokinesia and dilated left ventricular dimensions. Coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries. On cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, the left ventricle was dilated, and the systolic function was reduced. No pathological enhancement was observed. This case report and many previous studies support a possible link between caffeinated energy drinks and cardiovascular events.

Keywords: Cardiomyopathy, dilated; Energy drinks; Heart failure.

Figure    1

The admission electrocardiogram shows sinus rhythm.

Figure    2

The chest X-ray shows pleural effusion accumulating in the inferior zone of the right lung (arrow) secondary to heart failure.

Figure    3

The echocardiogram in the parasternal long-axis view shows an increased left ventricular diastolic diameter.

Figure    4

The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the 2-chamber long-axis view shows a dilated left ventricle. Late gadolinium enhancement is not seen. LA, Left atrium; LV, Left ventricle