Can I use caffeine capsules as a pre-workout? Understand

A 23-year-old nurse reports nearly having a heart attack after using caffeine capsules as a pre-workout. See the risks

Recently, a 23-year-old nurse reported on TikTok that she ended up in the hospital after consuming caffeine capsules, used as a pre-workout. Andressa Mello says she almost had a heart attack after taking the supplement. I felt like my heart was coming out of my mouth,” she said.

The case attracted the attention of health authorities and users, raising awareness of the risks associated with the use of caffeine capsules before training.

What are caffeine capsules used for?

According to Dr. Fernanda Trovão, cardiologist at Vila Nova Star Hospital, caffeine capsules act primarily as a stimulant. “They stimulate substances that act directly on the brain, such as adrenaline, serotonin, norepinephrine, causing an increase in organic functions and inhibiting adenosine, which is a substance that causes tiredness and fatigue in everyday life,” he says she.

The main indications for using caffeine in capsules, according to the doctor, are to improve attention and concentration, memory and learning ability. Furthermore, it improves well-being and is also used as a prophylaxis, that is, to prevent and improve headaches.

Fernanda also adds that caffeine capsules increase muscle strength and endurance, as well as performance in physical activity. Therefore, it is very common to use it as a pre-workout in gyms, as it reduces tiredness, sleep, improves mood and fights depression.

What are the risks of using capsules as a pre-workout?

The cardiologist points out that caffeine is often used as a pre-workout without formal medical indication. That is, through the advice of gym friends or other professionals who do not work in the health field.

“And together with the physiological effects of exercise, they can cause tremors, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, causing a paradoxical effect, as well as irritating effects on the stomach and intestines,” he warns.

Therefore, before use, the specialist asks for attention and care. It is necessary to know if there really is an indication for the use of caffeine and if there is no underlying disease that can enhance its effects and cause damage such as arrhythmias or even sudden death.

“Also, patients who have coronary heart disease, such as a heart attack, cannot use it because it increases heart rate, requiring cardiac metabolism, which the heart often does not compensate for,” he adds.

In other words, before using any substance, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo a check-up to check whether the person is suitable for use, even if it is only supplements, warns the specialist.

Replacements for caffeine capsules

The doctor points out that there are several substances that can replace the use of caffeine capsules without causing the side effects mentioned above. “One of these for physical activity is creatine, which gives muscle strength and greater resistance. There is also green tea, which stimulates and does not have the adrenergic effect of caffeine; and other amino acids such as beta-alanine, which increases muscle stimulation and training performance”, concludes Dr. Fernanda Trovão.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.