Abstract
Aim . To evaluate the potential effects of energy drink consumption on the cardiovascular system among university students. Materials and methods . The study voluntarily involved 200 students enrolled in higher educational institutions of Karaganda city. All participants were divided into two age groups: 18 – 22 years (group 1) and 23 – 27 years (group 2). Data were collected using a questionnaire survey. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v.10. Given the independent nature of the samples and the non-normal distribution of the data, the Mann – Whitney U test and Cramér’s V coefficient were used for group comparisons. Results and discussion . A statistically significant association was found between the frequency of energy drink consumption and students’ age (χ²(3)=24.96; p<0.001). Cramér’s V coefficient was 0.39, indicating a moderate strength of association. Students aged 18 – 22 years consumed energy drinks more frequently than those aged 23 – 27 years. Among frequent consumers of energy drinks, 30% reported symptoms of palpitations, whereas among rare or non-consumers this figure was 10% (p<0.01). Tachycardia occurred 2.78 times more often in the younger age group. The odds ratio (OR=3.5) showed that the risk of developing tachycardia in students aged 18 – 22 years was 3.5 times higher compared with the older group. The differences were statistically significant (χ²=4.48; p<0.05). Conclusions. The obtained data indicate that excessive and unregulated consumption of energy drinks has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system of students, especially those aged 18 – 22 years.