Rachel V Thomas

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Energy Drinks Linked To More Heart Problems In Young Adults: Study Flags Cardiac Risks

Increasing consumption of caffeinated <span>energy drinks</span> and stimulant-containing supplements has been linked to a higher frequency of reported serious cardiovascular events, including <span>cardiac arrest</span>, <span>heart attacks</span> and abnormal heart rhythms, particularly among young adults, according to preliminary research. 

The findings, based on an analysis of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety reports, will be presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, scheduled for November 6-9 in Chicago. 

Researchers found that <span>cardiac</span> arrest was reported about 11 times more frequently in connection with caffeine- and 

stimulant-containing products than products without these ingredients. 

<h2>Energy Drinks And Heart Problems: What Did The Study Find? </h2>

Researchers analyzed 28,345 reports of possible adverse events submitted to an FDA safety database between 2017 and 2025. Of these, 854 involved energy drinks and supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants. 

<ul><li>Cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more frequently with caffeine- and stimulant-containing products. </li><li>Heart attacks were 4.5 times more likely to appear in these reports. </li><li><span rel="noindex">Ventricular</span> arrhythmias and heart palpitations were reported about four times more frequently. </li><li>Elevated heart rate was reported nearly three times more frequently. </li><li>Chest pain was reported 2.71 times more frequently, while fainting was reported about twice as frequently. </li></ul>

About 45% of reports involving cardiovascular events and these products concerned adults aged 18 to 34. Similar patterns were observed among men and women. 

<strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/fssai-targets-6-energy-drink-brands-experts-link-them-to-obesity-liver-problems-article-154905780" data-type="tilCustomLink">FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems</a>

<h2>Why Are Energy Drinks Raising Concerns? </h2>

Sales of caffeinated energy drinks have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching over $20 billion in 2024. 

According to the AHA's 2026 scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease, consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine daily is generally safe for most adults. 

However, some energy drinks contain up to three times more caffeine per fluid ounce than brewed coffee. Certain pre-workout supplements contain more than 12 times as much. 

High caffeine intake has been associated with cardiovascular harm. Healthcare professionals have also reported cases of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death following consumption of these products, including among young adults without known heart disease. 

<h2>Why Are Young Adults Particularly Affected? </h2>

Researchers do not yet know why young adults account for such a large proportion of the cardiovascular event reports. 

Possible explanations include frequent consumption, using these products before intense exercise, combining them with alcohol or other drugs, and undiagnosed heart conditions. 

"These products are marketed as everyday pick-me-ups and sold next to soda and bottled water, so most people assume they carry no real risk," said study author Sai Samayamanthula, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. 

He cautioned that regular consumers could quickly exceed recommended daily caffeine limits. 

The researchers recommended better safety monitoring and urged healthcare professionals to ask younger patients experiencing palpitations, chest pain or fainting about their energy drink and stimulant supplement consumption. 

<h2>Do Energy Drinks Cause Cardiac Arrest? </h2>

<strong>Read More</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/excessive-energy-drinks-damaging-young-adults-livers-experts-warn-article-154112373" data-type="tilCustomLink">Excessive Energy Drinks Damaging Young Adults’ Livers, Experts Warn</a>

The findings indicate an association, not proof that energy drinks cause cardiac arrest or other cardiovascular conditions.

Gregory M. Marcus, chair of the AHA's 2026 scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease, said the research raises concerns about products containing very high amounts of caffeine. 

"Although there are biological reasons why that connection could be possible, the study does not prove that caffeine products cause these events, because other factors may have influenced the results," said Marcus, who was not involved in the study, and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. 

<h2>What Are The Study's Limitations? </h2>

The study relied on voluntary reports submitted to the FDA by consumers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers. Researchers could not determine how many people consumed these products without experiencing adverse events or how many cardiovascular events went unreported. 

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Increasing consumption of caffeinated energy drinks and stimulant-containing supplements has been linked to a higher frequency of reported serious cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrest, heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms, particularly among young adults, according to preliminary research. The findings, based on an analysis of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety reports, will be presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, scheduled for November 6-9 in Chicago. Researchers found that cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more frequently in connection with caffeine- and stimulant-containing products than products without these ingredients. Energy Drinks And Heart Problems: What Did The Study Find? Researchers analyzed 28,345 reports of possible adverse events submitted to an FDA safety database between 2017 and 2025. Of these, 854 involved energy drinks and supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants. Key findings included: Cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more frequently with caffeine- and stimulant-containing products. Heart attacks were 4.5 times more likely to appear in these reports. Ventricular arrhythmias and heart palpitations were reported about four times more frequently. Elevated heart rate was reported nearly three times more frequently. Chest pain was reported 2.71 times more frequently, while fainting was reported about twice as frequently. About 45% of reports involving cardiovascular events and these products concerned adults aged 18 to 34. Similar patterns were observed among men and women. Also read: FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver ProblemsWhy Are Energy Drinks Raising Concerns? Sales of caffeinated energy drinks have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching over $20 billion in 2024. According to the AHA's 2026 scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease, consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine daily is generally safe for most adults. However, some energy drinks contain up to three times more caffeine per fluid ounce than brewed coffee. Certain pre-workout supplements contain more than 12 times as much. High caffeine intake has been associated with cardiovascular harm. Healthcare professionals have also reported cases of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death following consumption of these products, including among young adults without known heart disease. Why Are Young Adults Particularly Affected? Researchers do not yet know why young adults account for such a large proportion of the cardiovascular event reports. Possible explanations include frequent consumption, using these products before intense exercise, combining them with alcohol or other drugs, and undiagnosed heart conditions. "These products are marketed as everyday pick-me-ups and sold next to soda and bottled water, so most people assume they carry no real risk," said study author Sai Samayamanthula, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He cautioned that regular consumers could quickly exceed recommended daily caffeine limits. The researchers recommended better safety monitoring and urged healthcare professionals to ask younger patients experiencing palpitations, chest pain or fainting about their energy drink and stimulant supplement consumption. Do Energy Drinks Cause Cardiac Arrest? Read More: Excessive Energy Drinks Damaging Young Adults’ Livers, Experts WarnThe findings indicate an association, not proof that energy drinks cause cardiac arrest or other cardiovascular conditions.Gregory M. Marcus, chair of the AHA's 2026 scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease, said the research raises concerns about products containing very high amounts of caffeine. "Although there are biological reasons why that connection could be possible, the study does not prove that caffeine products cause these events, because other factors may have influenced the results," said Marcus, who was not involved in the study, and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. What Are The Study's Limitations? The study relied on voluntary reports submitted to the FDA by consumers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers. Researchers could not determine how many people consumed these products without experiencing adverse events or how many cardiovascular events went unreported. 

energy drinks linked to more heart problems in young adults: study flags cardiac risks

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