(Web Desk) — Healthcare experts have highlighted a new study indicating an increased risk of sudden cardiovascular conditions and diseases for energy drink consumers, reported Newsweek, quoting research published in the journal Heart Rhythm.

Caffeine-containing beverages are particularly detrimental to individuals with a genetic predisposition to heart diseases, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic.

Following these findings, researchers have advised people to consume energy drinks in moderation.

Michael J. Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and the lead investigator, stated: “Although the relative risk is small and the absolute risk of sudden death after consuming an energy drink is even smaller, patients with a known sudden death predisposing genetic heart disease should weigh the risks and benefits of consuming such drinks in the balance.”

Ackerman also noted that several potential factors could have contributed to sudden cardiac arrests, in addition to energy drinks.

“While there seemed to be a temporal relationship between energy drink consumption and the seven patients’ sudden cardiac arrest events, a myriad of potential ‘agitators’ could have also contributed to a genetic heart disease-associated arrhythmia. These include sleep deprivation, dehydration, dieting or extreme fasting, concomitant use of QT-prolonging drugs, or the postpartum period,” he explained.

“As such, unusual consumption of energy drinks most likely combined with other variables to create a ‘perfect storm’ of risk factors, leading to sudden cardiac arrest in these patients.”

“Energy drinks are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, so researching the effects these drinks have on our patients is of utmost importance,” Ackerman added.