DHAKA: Energy drinks packed with caffeine can change the way the heart beats, researchers warned.

The team from the University of Bonn in Germany imaged the hearts of 17 people an hour after they had an energy drink.

The study showed contractions were more forceful after the drink.

The team told the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America that children and people with some health conditions should avoid the drinks, reports BBC.

Researcher Dr Jonas Dorner said: "Until now, we haven`t known exactly what effect these energy drinks have on the function of the heart.

"The amount of caffeine is up to three times higher than in other caffeinated beverages like coffee or cola.

"There are many side effects known to be associated with a high intake of caffeine, including rapid heart rate, palpitations, rise in blood pressure and, in the most severe cases, seizures or sudden death."

They showed the chamber of the heart that pumps blood around the body, the left ventricle, was contracting harder an hour after the energy drink was taken than at the start of the study.

However, the research team advises that children and people with an irregular heartbeat should avoid the drinks.

BDST: 2030 HRS, DEC 03, 2013