Red Bull could raise the risk of heart attack or stroke

Red Bull gives you.... increased risk of heart disease, say scientists

Just one can of Red Bull could raise the risk of heart attack or stroke, even in young people, researchers have warned.

A study of university students found drinking one 250ml can of the sugar-free version of the energy drink that 'gives you wings' increased the 'stickiness' of the blood and raised the risk of life-threatening clots.

Researcher Dr Scott Willoughby said: 'One hour after they drank Red Bull, (their blood systems) were no longer normal.

Health doubts: Sugar-free Red Bull

'They were abnormal like we would expect in a patient with cardiovascular disease.

'If you get an increase in stickiness and a decreased ability of the blood vessels to stop its stickiness, that adds up to a bad situation.

'If you add in other risk factors for cardiovascular disease - stress or high blood pressure - this could be potentially deadly.'

Dr Willoughby, of the Cardiovascular Research Centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, said he was 'alarmed' at the results and would not drink Red Bull himself.

Those with underlying heart or circulatory problems should think twice before buying the caffeine-loaded drink, he said.

The results, reported in the Australian newspaper, also shocked the students taking part, some of whom drank up to eight cans a night to help them stay awake to study. Many now refuse to drink Red Bull again. More ....