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According to researchers, a study sponsored by the American Medical Association found when dogs were given ephedrine supplements , very dangerous effects were suffered. Often used as a decongestant, the ephedrine-containing supplements had little effect on healthy dogs, but when the ephedrine was given to dogs that had their arteries artificially blocked, “their heart rates went through the roof.”
When obese, but otherwise healthy individuals, were given ephedrine in past experiments , their heart rates when resting or exercising did not elevate. The healthy animals given the ephedrine had the same results until a blockage in their heart artery developed and fibrillation, a deadly fast heart rate, developed. Beating so fast, the heart can no longer pump blood.
The researchers were surprised by the severity of the response to ephedrine. Every year, about 100,000 deaths in the U.S. are the result of sudden cardiac deaths. Since many people can have blockage in their heart arter ies without any symptoms, the ephedrine findings may provide greater insight into sudden cardiac death.
Though the majority of sudden cardiac deaths are not attributed to ephedrine, the supplement affects the sympathetic nervous system, which controls heart rate. The FDA banned dietary supplements containing ephedra in February because of the link between heart attack and stroke, and the latest study supports the agency''s decision.