How Energy Drinks Can Increase Blood Pressure

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We have all been at the point where we need a “pick-me-up” during the day. Whether it is to start the day in the morning on the way to work or school, or an energy boost in the middle of the day. When this happens, we may reach for a coffee or an energy drink.

Although energy drinks can give us an energy and productivity boost when we need them, unfortunately, drinking energy drinks daily can significantly raise our blood pressure due to their high caffeine and stimulant content.

Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure by blocking a chemical that relaxes blood vessels called adenosine. When this occurs, blood vessels constrict instead of dilating. This triggers the nervous system to release stress hormones such as adrenaline, causing the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise.

Energy drinks typically increase systolic blood pressure by 5 to 15mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5 to 10 mmHg within an hour of consumption. This rise in blood pressure is usually temporary for healthy adults.

The effects of drinking energy drinks every day may be more dangerous for people with existing hypertension or other cardiovascular problems.

Caffeine levels in energy drinks can vary between 80 and 350 milligrams (mg) per serving, depending on the brand and size. A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. That means one energy drink could contain the same amount of caffeine as an espresso or more than three cups of coffee.

Energy drinks can also have synthetic caffeine that may be absorbed more quickly than natural caffeine from coffee. What’s more, they can typically contain more than just caffeine. Energy drinks may contain additional stimulants, such as taurine, guarana, and ginseng, that can amplify caffeine’s effects on the cardiovascular system. The combination of these stimulants and high sugar content can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Stimulants like guarana and taurine can further amplify cardiovascular stress by increasing heart rate, enhancing the effects of caffeine, and overstimulating the nervous system.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how many energy drinks are safe to drink in one day because energy drinks can vary in caffeine and stimulant content. Furthermore, there is no universally safe amount to consume daily due to their potential health risks.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults, which is approximately the equivalent of four small cups of coffee. It is important to know that one or two energy drinks can surpass that limit, especially when combined with other caffeinated beverages throughout the day.

Energy drinks may cause heart palpitations, arrhythmias, and increased heart rate, especially when consumed in excess or with alcohol and other stimulants. These arrhythmias can lead to complications like stroke, even in younger adults.

It is important to know that you should avoid energy drinks if you have high blood pressure, take heart-related medications, or have any underlying heart conditions.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of high blood pressure, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Posted on October 19, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating abruptly because of a sudden loss of electrical function. This medical emergency requires immediate attention because blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops within seconds.

Someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest may lose consciousness, collapse, stop breathing or gasp for air, or not respond when shaken. Although sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning, individuals may have shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a rapid beating heart beforehand.

A person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest may die within minutes if not treated immediately. According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die.

If someone appears to be in sudden cardiac arrest, you must call 911 and begin CPR immediately. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if one is available.

Sudden cardiac arrest can have several causes, including:

Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)
Heart attack
Coronary artery disease
Congenital heart defects
Cardiomyopathy
Heart valve disease
Recreational drug use
Severe blood loss
Electrolyte imbalances

Some individuals have a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest than others. A person may be at a higher risk if they:

Have experienced a previous heart attack
Have had heart failure
Have certain inherited heart conditions
If they are living with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension and high cholesterol
A history of serious arrhythmias
Are a survivor of a prior sudden cardiac arrest episode

Those who are obese, smoke, or use illicit substances are also at risk.

Research shows that between 40% and 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases are preventable and the risk can be reduced, because the vast majority of causes stem from underlying heart conditions.

Prevention can be achieved through knowing your family history, requesting specific screenings and early detection, managing underlying illnesses, and practicing heart-healthy habits. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department can help you manage your heart health. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7100.

How Short Walks After Eating Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood. It is our body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food we eat. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. However, when things aren’t functioning properly, you can develop high blood sugar, which means there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. You may have high blood sugar due to:

Your body isn’t using insulin correctly
Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to serious complications, such as:

Heart attack
Stroke
Diabetes-related retinopathy, which can cause blindness
Diabetes-related nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure
Nerve damage

Our blood sugar naturally rises when we eat and is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after eating. However, frequent or especially high spikes in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of or worsen diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower blood sugar levels into a healthy range, such as eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Another way to manage blood sugar levels is to take a short walk after eating.

Research shows that a short walk after a meal can:

Prevent your blood sugar from spiking as high as it would if you ate and remained seated
Keep your insulin levels stable

Walking for ten minutes, or as little as two to five minutes, can lower your blood sugar.

When walking after a meal, it is important to stay safe. Some safety tips to keep in mind when walking include:

Go slow and gradually increase your physical activity
Avoid environmental triggers, such as high heat and humidity, environmental allergens, cold air, and safety hazards
Fall prevention for those who are 65 years of age and older

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology treats a wide variety of conditions. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology services, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Can You Actually Catch Up on Lost Sleep?

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

For many of us, getting enough sleep during the week can be challenging. Common activities like work, commuting, social life, downtime, and watching TV can cause us to lose sleep. As a result, more than one-third of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep per night, rather than the recommended seven to nine hours. The loss of those one to two hours is called sleep debt.

Sleep debt, or sleep deficit, is the difference between how much sleep you need and how much you get. Sleep debt is cumulative, so going to sleep a half hour or an hour later than normal over a few days can add up quickly. Two weeks of sleeping just six hours a night produces the same level of cognitive impairment as if you stayed awake for two full days straight. Other side effects caused by sleep debt can include:

Poor vision, hearing, coordination, and balance

Reduced energy and motivation

Slower reaction time

Drowsiness and irritability

Impaired memory, attention, judgment, and decision-making

Decreased performance in many areas, including athletics

Long-term sleep debt can lead to sleep deprivation, which occurs when you are frequently not getting as much sleep as you need. Not regularly getting an adequate amount of sleep increases the risk of developing health conditions, such as:

Cancer

Heart disease

Dementia

Mental health disorders, such as depression

Sleep deprivation can also impact your health in other ways, including:

Immune system dysfunction

Poor emotional regulation

Executive function issues

Metabolic dysregulation and weight gain

Inhibited sex drive

Higher risk of accidents, falls, and other injuries

Sleeping in on the weekends is the most common strategy to recover lost sleep. It can help with the occasional sleep deficit, but it isn’t good for the long term.

According to research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine showed that after five nights of sleeping less than four hours, a single recovery night of about nine hours still left people with residual attention lapses and slower reaction times. A six-week study of high-performing adults found that two nights of eight-hour recovery sleep failed to restore accuracy on tests of spatial orientation and sustained attention. Furthermore, performance declined steadily during the restricted weeknights, and the sleep recovery during the weekend wasn’t enough to cause a reset.

Additionally, a study done at the University of Colorado brought 36 healthy adults into a sleep lab for two weeks and found that people who slept only five hours a night gained about three pounds and saw a 13% decrease in insulin sensitivity. The group that slept five hours during the week and was allowed to sleep in on weekends fared even worse, as they also gained three pounds and experienced a 27% decrease in insulin sensitivity. What’s more, their liver and muscle metabolism suffered more than the group that never got recovery sleep at all.

When you finally get the opportunity to sleep longer, your brain prioritizes deep sleep, the sleep stage that restores daytime alertness and cognitive function, first. This is called a rebound effect. Your brain categorizes the sleep stages and recovers the most critical stages before anything else, which is why the first long recovery sleep feels so restorative even if you are far from fully recharged.

Complete recovery from weeks of sleep debt and deprivation will require many nights of quality sleep, rather than making up the sleep during the weekend. The first step in getting sufficient sleep is to improve your sleep hygiene. There are several ways to improve your sleep hygiene and reduce your chances of accumulating sleep debt, including:

Keeping a set sleep schedule

Developing a nightly routine

Considering daytime habits

Improving the bedroom environment

When recovering lost sleep, the most effective strategy is to add sleep in small, consistent increments instead of overhauling your schedule. Some techniques that can be useful to help you properly catch up on sleep and eliminate sleep debt include:

Staying consistent

Keeping a sleep diary

Trying an afternoon nap

Giving time to the process

Talking to your healthcare provider

If you are having difficulty sleeping and would like help, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

National AFib Awareness Month

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National AFib Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education, early detection, and improved care for AFib.

AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Afib usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of AFib, including:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of AFib, including:

Paroxysmal AFib
Persistent AFib
Long-standing persistent AFib

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause AFib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of AFib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce heart disease risk and prevent AFib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

A healthcare provider can diagnose AFib by examining you and asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of AFib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for AFib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. Afib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Four Key Risk Factors Linked to 99% of Heart Attacks

Posted on September 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack, are the leading causes of death around the world.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart’s arteries.

Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease, which is the most common cause of death in the United States.

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns

Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach

Shortness of breath

Other signs of a heart attack can include:

Breaking out in a cold sweat

Nausea

A rapid or irregular heartbeat

Unusual tiredness

Heartburn or indigestion

Lightheadedness

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, more than 99% of people who experience a heart attack previously had at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors that were above ideal healthy levels. These risk factors include:

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

High fasting glucose or high blood sugar

Tobacco use

For this study, researchers analyzed medical data from more than 9 million adults in South Korea and almost 7,000 adults in the United States for up to 20 years, allowing scientists to see multiple measurements for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking exposure before a participant had their first cardiovascular issue.

At the conclusion of the study, researchers discovered that more than 99% of the study participants had at least one risk factor at unhealthy levels before experiencing a heart attack. What’s more, scientists found that high blood pressure was the biggest culprit of the four major risk factors, affecting more than 95% of South Korean participants and over 93% of U.S. participants.

Fortunately, these risk factors are categorized as modifiable, meaning they are potentially preventable. If high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar can be reduced, as well as eliminating the use of tobacco, there is a possibility that the risk of heart attack can be decreased.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Healthy Eating

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Eating healthy can be difficult, especially when you don’t have the time, and there is the convenience of fast-food restaurants and processed foods.

Most people in the United States need to eat more nutrient-dense foods and limit highly processed foods, added sugars, added sodium, and refined carbohydrates.

Healthy eating emphasizes protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and limiting added sugars.

The best way to practice healthy eating is to aim for having a variety of colors on your plate. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, and fresh herbs are full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Too much added sugars in your diet, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maple syrup, and honey, can contribute to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Sugary beverages are common sources of added sugar.

To limit added sugars, you can:

Drink water with berries or slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber instead

Read nutrition labels and choose foods with no or lower amounts of added sugars

Limit sugary snacks and snack on fruit or vegetable slices instead

Add fruit to your whole grain cereal or yogurt for sweetness

Avoid adding flavored syrups to your coffee

Eating too much sodium can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. More than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged or prepared foods. While sodium has several forms, 90% of the sodium we consume is from salt.

To cut back on sodium, you can:

Read the nutrition facts label to find foods that are low in sodium or lower-sodium options

Buy unprocessed foods, such as fresh or frozen vegetables, to prepare at home

Avoid highly processed foods, such as breads, pizza, and deli meats that are high in sodium

Fiber helps maintain our digestive health and helps us feel fuller longer. Fiber also helps control our blood sugar and lowers our cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are good sources of fiber.

To increase your fiber intake, you can:

Start your day with a whole-grain cereal, such as oatmeal

Add fresh fruit with a meal or as a dessert

Slice raw vegetables for quick snacks

Top your whole-grain cereal with berries, pumpkin seeds, or almonds

Add a half-cup of beans or lentils to a salad to add texture and flavor

Protein is also an important part of healthy eating. Including protein-rich foods in your diet is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Protein options include:

Eggs

Poultry

Seafood

Red meat

Beans

Peas

Lentils

Legumes

Nuts

Seeds

Soy products such as tofu

Good nutrition is about choosing healthy foods and beverages on a consistent basis. Eating healthy, whole, nutrient-dense foods can support longevity and vitality, and lower your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Registered Dietitians assist patients with growing their knowledge about nutrition, wellness, and healthy eating. To make an appointment, please call 718-657-7093.

What Persistent Heartburn Can Be a Sign Of

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone, that is sometimes accompanied by a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth, due to stomach acid escaping into the esophagus and irritating its delicate lining. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, when lying down, or when bending over.

Heartburn has several symptoms, including:

A burning sensation in the chest or throat

A sore throat or hoarseness

Difficulty swallowing

A sour taste in the mouth

Feeling like food is stuck in the throat

Nausea or vomiting

Regurgitation of stomach contents into the mouth

The most common cause of heartburn is acid reflux, which can be triggered by:

Overeating

Eating spicy or fatty foods

Smoking

Alcohol intake

Using certain medications

Occasional heartburn is common and usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs more than twice a week or every day, can be a symptom of larger problems, such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter

Barrett’s esophagus: occurs when repeated exposure to stomach acid causes changes to esophageal cells, which can transform into a potentially fatal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma

Gastritis: is inflammation of the stomach lining that may be caused by bacteria, infection, chronic vomiting, excessive use of alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Hiatal hernia: is a condition that occurs when part of the stomach slips through a hole in the diaphragm

Esophagitis: is inflammation of esophageal tissue often caused by GERD

It is important to know that if you are experiencing severe chest pain or pressure, especially in combination with jaw, neck, or back pain, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention immediately, as you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology consists of board-certified gastroenterologists who provide high-quality, expert care to patients suffering from such conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday Tip

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

ABC Method for Better Sleep and Better Brain Health

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We all have nights when we can’t get a good night’s sleep. We toss and turn all night, waking up exhausted because of poor sleep quality.

If you are experiencing poor sleep quality, the ABC method or ABCs of respiratory therapy can help you sleep properly and efficiently. The ABC method stands for:

Airway

Breathing

Circulation

This method helps regulate a variety of things, primarily oxygenation, which helps your body recover and stay functioning. Finding the right sleep position is essential to the ABC method.

According to Dr. John Saito, a representative for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), everyone has their own idea of what a good sleep position is, whether it is on the left or right side, the back, or stomach, but it all depends on the context.

If a person is sleeping on their back and has a good support pillow that keeps their spine and neck in a neutral position, it allows their airway to remain open and unobstructed, and they can breathe easily. However, if a person has sleep apnea, sleeping on their back can be harmful to health, as their throat muscles become too relaxed and block the body’s upper airway.

The ABC method can also work with babies, as most doctors recommend putting them on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is an unexplained death that usually occurs during sleep.

Dr. Saito suggests that sleeping on your side can offer several benefits. Sleeping on your right side may be better for blood flow, as well as lower pressure on your heart, due to the flexible compartment located between your lungs called the mediastinum, which helps hold your heart in place.

Sleeping on your left side can also provide some benefits, as it may be better for clearing the waste product in the brain. This is known as the glymphatic system, which is the brain’s specialized waste clearance network that clears any harmful metabolic byproducts while we sleep, including proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lastly, Dr. Saito points out the difference between sleeping in a fetal or curled position and spreading out. Sleeping on either side of your body, with your spine straight, helps keep it aligned, while curling up on your side helps to ease lower back pain. However, being too curled up can compress your diaphragm and chest, which restricts breathing.

Having trouble sleeping because you can’t find a comfortable sleeping position can cause you to move a lot throughout the night as you try to reposition yourself. This can disrupt your sleep and affect the quality of your sleep. Here are ways to practice sleeping in better positions to help you get a restful night’s sleep:

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to help better align your head, neck, and hips. This neutral posture can make breathing easier and result in deeper and more restorative sleep

If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees

If you sleep on your stomach, place a thin pillow under your hips

Additionally, choosing a mattress that adheres to the natural curve of your spine is an essential part of getting a good night’s sleep.

There isn’t just one best position to sleep in. A lot of factors go into how your sleep position affects your quality of sleep. Whether you suffer from sleep apnea, back pain, are a chronic snorer, or are pregnant, the major goal is to find a comfortable and unobtrusive sleeping position that allows you to get a good night’s sleep. Choose whichever sleep position that makes you the most comfortable, as it will give you the best and most rest.

Our New York Sleep Clinic staff consists of board-certified sleep specialists and respiratory therapists who are highly skilled in evaluating and treating sleep disorders. Our compassionate staff will ensure your stay is pleasant and helpful to your health. For additional information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.