Saturday, August 25, 2007

Man's Heart Stops After Excessive Red Bull Consumption

He drank 8 Red Bulls while competing in a motocross event and he's surprised he almost died:

A MAN whose heart stopped after he consumed eight Red Bull energy drinks in five hours has called for an overhaul of the product's warning labels.

Matthew Penbross, 28, collapsed after downing the popular drinks, each containing 80 milligrams of caffeine, last Sunday.

He drank the Red Bull while competing in a motocross event on the state's Mid North Coast.

His heart stopped and he needed defibrillation from ambulance officers.

Now facing six weeks off work, he said warning labels on the products should be revamped to alert people that excessive consumption could lead to death. Labels currently warn against consuming more than two cans, or 1.5 bottles a day, without describing the consequences.

[...]

NSW Health has urged people to be extremely cautious of overdosing on stimulant products. Department spokesman Dr Robert Batey said consuming high levels of stimulants had the potential to cause heart attacks.
(via)

Um, isn't common sense enough?

But a cardiologist takes issue with the story and believes that Red Bull might not be the cause (if I were this guy, I wouldn't take the chance and would lay off the Red Bull).

(via)