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MONACO — A 31-year-old Monacan woman developed heart problems and consistent fainting due to drinking only soda for almost 16 years, according to researchers.
The woman (who was not identified) was brought to a hospital after she fainted, according to Yahoo News. Blood tests showed that she had severely low potassium levels, and a heart test revealed that she had QT syndrome, which can cause erratic heart beats.
The woman reported that she did not have any family history of heart or hormone problems. She eventually told doctors that since she was 15 years old she had not drunk any water. She said that she had only consumed soda, specifically cola drinks.
The woman reported that on average she drank about two liters of cola daily.
The woman abstained from drinking soda for one week, after which doctors reported that her potassium levels and heart electrical activity returned to normal.
After searching for similar cases, researchers found six reports of excessive cola consumption that were thought to be related to adverse medical problems, including heart rhythm problems. Researchers also found that drinking too much cola may cause excess water to enter the bowels, causing diarrhea which then leads to a loss in potassium.
Further studies are being conducted to link sodas to other health problems.
