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What Causes Throat Tightness And High BP Post Consumption Of Red Bull?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: Today I had a red bull 12 oz 114 mg caffeine and Pepsi an hour earlier 12 oz 40 mg caffeine. After the Ted bull my heart started pounding 20 minutes later my throat tightened and I felt like I was going to black out. I called ambulance blood pressure was 160 and heart rate 120. They said my rhythm on the ekg was normal. I went to cardiologist after two hours later my heart rate was 112 and my bp went down to 140. He said ekg was normal and thinks it will continue to go down throughout day. He said I'm only 25 I exercise and my blood pressure is usually normal so it's not heart related just from the redbull. He scheduled a stress test month away to be safe. Do you think this was from the red bull. I can tolerate a medium coffee with same caffeine amount daily.
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms don't seem to be cardiac related.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to a sympathetic nervous system hyperactive related to the big amount of caffeine intake (present in the drinks).

This sympathetic nervous system activity causes an overload of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to this symptomatology.

Your symptoms are not indicative for any underlying cardiac disorder. They just indicate that you are a sensitive person and do not tolerate well caffeine and energy drinks.

Red Bull is known to cause similar symptoms and it is not a very healthy drink. You should know that for pregnant women and children is not safe to drink it because of its possible adverse effects (high heart rate and high blood pressure).

So you have nothing to worry about!

I would advise you just to avoid caffeine and energy drinks.

Anyway, I would be happy to review your tests as soon as you upload them.

Hope to have been helpful!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (24 hours later)
Thank you for the follow up and reassurance. My blood pressure today is 123/79 with a pulse of 80 so I think I am in much better shape. I will refrain from those types of drinks. Thanks again for your assistance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful!

Your blood pressure and heart rate are quite normal. So you have nothing to be worried about.

If you have any other uncertainties do not hesitate to ask me again!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9541 Questions

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What Causes Throat Tightness And High BP Post Consumption Of Red Bull?

Brief Answer: Your symptoms don't seem to be cardiac related. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to a sympathetic nervous system hyperactive related to the big amount of caffeine intake (present in the drinks). This sympathetic nervous system activity causes an overload of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to this symptomatology. Your symptoms are not indicative for any underlying cardiac disorder. They just indicate that you are a sensitive person and do not tolerate well caffeine and energy drinks. Red Bull is known to cause similar symptoms and it is not a very healthy drink. You should know that for pregnant women and children is not safe to drink it because of its possible adverse effects (high heart rate and high blood pressure). So you have nothing to worry about! I would advise you just to avoid caffeine and energy drinks. Anyway, I would be happy to review your tests as soon as you upload them. Hope to have been helpful! Best wishes, Dr. Iliri