Call Today for a FREE Confidential Case Review
Toll-Free 24/7 (866) 920-0753

Energy Drink a Day Linked to Heart and Hormone Risks

November 9, 2015 — JAMA has published a study suggesting that young adults who consume energy drinks may experience unhealthy increases in blood-pressure and stress hormones.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic recruited 25 healthy volunteers over the age of 18. Each volunteer was given a can of Rockstar or a placebo.

One 16-oz can of Rockstar contains 240-mg of caffeine, 2000-mg of taurine, and a variety of other herbs. The placebo drink had a similar taste but no caffeine or stimulants.

Test subjects were told to consume the beverages on different days. Researchers checked blood pressure, heart-rate, and blood levels of caffeine, glucose (sugar), and the stress hormone norepinephrine.

After consuming a can of Rockstar, volunteers experienced an average 6.2% increase in systolic blood pressure, vs. 3.3% for the placebo. Blood pressure also increased 6.4%, vs. 1% for a placebo. Norepinephrine (stress hormone) levels increased 74% after drinking Rockstar, vs. 30.9% for a placebo.

According to authors of the study:

“These acute hemodynamic and adrenergic changes may predispose to increased cardiovascular risk. Further research in larger studies is needed to assess whether the observed acute changes are likely to increase cardiovascular risk.”

In March, the same researchers at the Mayo Clinic published another study linking energy drinks and elevated blood-pressure levels. Researchers warned about possible cardiovascular side effects, especially for young adults who did not normally consume caffeine.

Do I have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a heart problem, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Free Case Evaluation


The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.