THE IMPACT OF ENERGY DRINK CONSUMPTION ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN YOUNG ADULTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of energy drinks has increased significantly, especially among adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about their cardiovascular effects. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the intake of energy drinks and hemodynamic, metabolic, and hematological changes that influence cardiovascular risk. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, conducted in the PubMed Central, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and CAPES Journals databases, encompassing articles published between 2009 and 2025, without language restriction. The descriptors “Energy Drinks”, “Cardiovascular Diseases”, “Blood Pressure”, “Blood Viscosity”, and “Heart Rate” were used, combined with the Boolean operator AND. Results: Of the 327 studies initially identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that energy drinks can cause acute increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular resistance, as well as promote metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and hematological changes, including increased blood viscosity and thrombotic risk. Discussion: The discussion highlights that these effects, although initially transient, can evolve into chronic cardiovascular remodeling, sustained hypertension, arrhythmias, and metabolic syndrome. Final Considerations: It is concluded that the consumption of energy drinks represents a relevant cardiovascular risk factor in the young population, reinforcing the need for regulation, awareness, and longitudinal studies. Thus, this study contributes to broadening the understanding of cardiovascular risks associated with energy drink consumption and reinforces the need for clinical monitoring and public health strategies aimed at the young population.