Introduction
Caffeine is used is increasingly becoming popular (Phillips & Ogeil, 2015; Ralph, 2015). The authors of the published research article are distinguished researchers in the field of medicine and pharmacy. They have conducted numerous researches with their findings helping to shed light on various issues related to the health and well-being of individuals. The news article on the other hand, presents an interesting view and controversial finding that seem to contract most findings on the link between the ingestion of caffeine and arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by irregular heart rhythms (Harvanko et al., 2015; Higgins, 2016).
Summary of the Research Article
The research article explores the question of whether caffeine is an enhancer of cognitive and physical performance or a psychoactive drug. The authors note the there is a continued rise in the number of people using caffeine around the world. The review employed various methods in exploring various studies related to caffeine’s abuse, dependence and mechanisms that may result in the death of those involved (Cappelletti, 2015). According to the findings of the research, products that contain caffeine have an impact on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. There is further examination of the effect of the same on the nervous system. Caffeine addiction is seen to be an increasingly pertinent issue with unnatural and premature death becoming a concern due to abuse of the stimulant by many individuals. There is an exploration of the main findings on intracellular calcium mobilization and some of caffeine’s action mechanisms. Other areas reviewed include the use, abuse and dependence on caffeine and the detrimental effects. The review also opines that doses that may seem safe and not within the levels identified as toxic may still have severe effects such as death.
Conclusions of the News Article and the Research Paper
The two articles have varying conclusions. In the news article, the author concludes that the risk of ingesting moderate to high caffeine doses for those with heart complications is minimal. The conclusion is in contrast to that of the research article. The researchers opine that depending on the level of caffeine intake, the mechanisms of its action tend to augment conductivity and the heart rate (Cappelletti, 2015). High intake affects cardiac contractility and as such may increase one’s vulnerability for arrhythmias. The authors of both articles, however, throw in some caveats. In the case of the news article, the author cautions against overreliance on the outcome due to the small sample used and the inability to determine the effect that caffeine tolerance may have had on the effects of the study in some of the patients (“New study brings good news for coffee lovers with heart problems,” 2016). As for the research paper, the authors allude to the difficulty in ascertaining the precise amount of caffeine consumed daily as a hindrance to correct prediction of the specific triggering effects.
The Main Theme of the News Article
The central aim of the news article is to dispel fears of there being a link between caffeine use and arrhythmias among patients with heart diseases. The author cites a clinical trial conducted by Brazilian researchers that proved the nonexistence of any such link. The article goes on to offer further benefits of coffee from previous studies that include protection from depression, diabetes, dementia and some types of cancer (“New study brings good news for coffee lovers with heart problems,” 2016). The research paper just like the news article does not have an issue with moderate caffeine use but warns against its abuse.
Vital Differences between the News Article and the Research Paper
One of the key differences between the news article and research paper is the focus. While the news article leans towards the positive side of caffeine, the research article is keen exposing the dangers associated with caffeine overuse or intoxication. The research article unlike the news article offers detailed information on the specific caffeine components and the precise mechanisms involved in triggering the effects observed among consumers. The authors are also experts in the subject under discussion and are directly involved in the research unlike the news article where the writer is more of a journalist than a pundit in matters relating to caffeine use.
Future of the Research Article
In relation to the future of the research article, its relevance will depend on further investigations that will help minimize the effects of the limitation seen in determining the exact amounts of caffeine ingested by people especially those used in studies. The researchers will be seeking to dispel any doubts in any of their postulations.
Conclusion
A considerable number of people may conceive caffeine as totally safe product and increase their intake. The result going by the research article will be heightened cases of caffeine addiction with severe consequences such as death in some instances. It remains to be seen what people choose to believe between the different versions of the effects of caffeine presented in the two articles. There is a need for a more conclusive answer to the issue of caffeine use.
References
Cappelletti, S., Daria, P., Sani, G., & Aromatario, M. (2015). Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug? Current Neuropharmacology, 13(1), 71–88. Web.
Harvanko, A. M., Derbyshire, K. L., Schreiber, L. N., & Grant, J. E. (2015). The effect of self-regulated caffeine use on cognition in young adults. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical & Experimental, 30(2), 123-130.
Higgins, S. (2016). The Effects of Preexercise Caffeinated Coffee Ingestion on Endurance Performance: An Evidence-Based Review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, 26(3), 221-239.
New study brings good news for coffee lovers with heart problems. (2016). Web.
Phillips, J. G., & Ogeil, R. P. (2015). Decision-making style, nicotine and caffeine use and dependence. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical & Experimental, 30(6), 442-450.
Ralph, A. (2015). Development of the Effects of Caffeine Use Scale: A Pilot Study. Journal of the Australian & New Zealand Student Services Association, (45), 79-84.