Cola Heart Rate

Effect of Cola on Heart Rate

University of Portland

Andrew Belle-Isle

Design of Biomedical Experiments

July 27, 2015

Abstract

Introduction

When it comes down to it, soft beverages are just water, sugar and usually caffeine. A typical 12-ounce cola contains 40 g of sugar (1) and 45 mg of caffeine (2). Comparatively, your daily cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. With both sugar and caffeine, side effects may include a plethora of things, varying from person to person, of which includes increased heart rate. The mechanism behind sugar involves increased metabolism while caffeine is a central nervous stimulant (2).

Previous studies have shown the dangers of repetitive soft drink consumption. In a Meta-Analysis of 88 studies, it has been correlated to increased energy intake, body weight and associated with low intake of other nutrients as it often replaces nourishing beverages (3). Other factors have shown to moderate effect sizes such as beverage type, gender and age. Unfortunately, many food industry funded studies have reported significantly smaller effects than true occurrences. Another study using rats corresponded increased body weight (+7%), liquid consumption (+69%) and decreased food intake (-31%) to chronic intake of cola (4). It was shown to induce metabolic and cardiac alterations in the rats after 6 months of consumption.

These studies have investigated a serious challenge that Americans face: sugar and caffeine addictions. They impose negative health issues on consumers and their dangers are neglected by big powerful corporations that are making billions of dollars off America’s indulgence. This study delves into the short term effects of heart rate following consumption of cola. Specifically, this study hypothesizes that there is no difference in heart rate among individuals who drink two different brands and two different types of cola.

Methods

Intending to attract young, healthy individuals, seven...