A case of hemorrhagic stroke has been linked to the consumption of a single energy drink, according to a report published on October 11, 2016, in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. The report describes a 57-year-old man with chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure and a previous history of stroke who developed an intracranial hemorrhage within 15 minutes of consuming one 8 oz. can of Redline energy drink. 

According to the report, the recommended serving size for Redline is 4 oz., or half of one can, and 8 ounces of the drink contained 316 mg of anhydrous caffeine. It also contained unlisted amounts of other potential sources of caffeine, including  yerba mate extract and green tea extract, as well as a variety of other active ingredients, such as yohimbine, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction which can affect blood pressure, vinpocetine, which can inhibit blood platelets from forming clots (and is added to some Gingko Biloba supplements), and toothed clubmoss, a source of huperzine A, which may have cardiovascular effects.

The authors suggested that the high caffeine content may have contributed to the man's stroke, and noted that caffeinated energy drinks have also been shown to have effects on platelet aggregation and endothelial function. The also advised that there may have been interactions between the various other ingredients.  

They also noted that the bottle warns that people with hypertension should not use it.

See ConsumerLab.com's Review of B Vitamin Supplements and Energy Drinks for more information about the safety of energy drinks and tests of related products. 

See Related Warnings:

Energy Drink Linked to Case of Acute Hepatitis

Consuming a Single Energy Drink May Increase Cardiovascular Risk

Energy Drink Recalled Due To Bacterial Contamination

Use of "Sports Drinks" and "Energy Drinks" Discouraged by Pediatric Group

To read the abstract, use the link below.