‘Workout Queen- The Epitome Of Health’ Dies At 28, After Suffering Caffeine Triggered Heart Attack And Fatal Brain Damage

Updated Mar 26, 2025 | 02:01 PM IST

SummaryOverconsumption of energy drinks can lead to severe cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac arrest, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and awareness.
‘Workout Queen- The Epitome Of Health’ Dies At 28, After Suffering Caffeine Triggered Heart Attack And Fatal Brain Damage

Image Credit: Canva

Katie Donnell, a 28-year-old teacher from Florida, was the epitome of health- followed a rigorous fitness routine, ate only organic foods, and had no diagnosed medical conditions. But in August 2021, her life was suddenly cut short by a heart attack. Her grieving mother, Lori Barranon, now blames one daily habit which is rather an unsuspected factor that may have contributed to her daughter's premature death—too much caffeine.".

In spite of her devotion to a fit lifestyle, Donnell drank several energy drinks per day, along with coffee and pre-workout caffeine supplements. Although medical doctors did not link her death directly to caffeine, Barranon is certain that her daughter's dependency on these drinks had deadly results.

Donnell was hanging out with friends when she simply collapsed, her eyes rolling back in her head as she lost consciousness. At first, people assumed she was having a stroke. Emergency workers came in and tried to bring her back around, but it was too late. She had not received oxygen for too long a period of time and suffered from massive brain damage. After three hours of medical treatment, she never did come around.

Physicians put Donnell into a medically induced coma in hopes of stabilizing her situation, but she had worsening seizures during the ensuing days. Following ten days of life support, her family was forced to make the sad decision to release her.

Risks of Over-Caffeination

Though caffeine is common in increasing alertness and energizing, it has fatal results when used in excess. The medical fraternity advises that excessive caffeine can elevate blood pressure, boost heart rate, and lead to cardiovascular problems. Caffeine's ability to acutely elevate blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, enhancing the possibility of heart arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, warns the National Library of Medicine.

The Mayo Clinic says that a daily intake of up to 400 milligrams of caffeine is generally safe for adults. This would be the equivalent of about four small cups of coffee, five or six shots of espresso, or two to four large store-bought coffee drinks. Energy drinks, though, contain between 100 and 300 milligrams of caffeine per can, so having multiple energy drinks a day in addition to coffee or supplements is an easy way to exceed the safe amount.

In Donnell's case, the amount of caffeine that she consumed daily was shocking. Barranon subsequently found that her daughter would buy four-packs of energy beverages twice or three times a week, aside from consuming massive quantities of coffee. Her vehicle had several packs of empty energy drink cans, indicating a reliance on these products.

Pattern of Caffeine-Related Health Incidents

Donnell's case is not the only one. In 2018, 21-year-old Australian musician Lachlan Foote passed away due to caffeine overdose after he added caffeine powder to his protein shake. Recently, in 2023, a 20-year-old Jazmin Garza was put on life support after drinking only a few sips of an energy drink before exercising, according to GoFundMe page. These events underscore the possible risks of excessive consumption, particularly among youth who are not yet fully cognizant of the risks.

While moderate use of caffeine can be beneficial in terms of enhanced concentration and enhanced physical performance, excessive use can cause severe health complications. Side effects include heightened heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, and, in extreme instances, heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest.

Barranon is now on a crusade to inform others of the secret dangers of energy drinks and caffeine supplements. She implores parents to keep their children's intake in check, cautioning that too much caffeine can have catastrophic effects.

If you don't keep your children away from this stuff, you might be in my position where your life is destroyed," she said. "It's so dangerous and lethal. This is affecting my entire family.

Barranon now goes out of her way to warn others whenever she notices a person with an energy drink in their hand. "I beg people to advise their children and observe what they're doing. I was watching Katie, but I had no idea of the extent of it."

What Is Caffeine Intoxication?

Caffeine intoxication, or caffeine overdose or toxicity, is the condition that results from excessive caffeine intake and leads to adverse effects on the body. Although caffeine is commonly ingested in the form of coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, excessive intake has the potential to result in serious health hazards.

The majority of Americans ingest caffeine every day, with moderate use having positive effects such as heightened alertness and energy. But when the amount of caffeine is beyond what the human body can metabolize, it can lead to symptoms that vary from mild pain to severe medical issues.

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

As stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adults can safely consume 400 milligrams of caffeine daily—about the equivalent of two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee. Caffeine sensitivity, however, differs among individuals, and medical conditions and medications can enhance sensitivity.

For kids, the dangers are even greater. Although there is no official safe amount for children, experts warn strongly against the use of caffeine in children younger than 2 years and urge children and teens to steer clear of energy drinks entirely.

Regulating Energy Drink Consumption: What Can Be Done?

The widespread distribution of high-caffeine energy beverages has created increasing concerns among health practitioners. In many nations, there are controls on the sale of energy drinks to minors, but caffeine-related health issues are extensively under-discussed.

Public health experts point out the importance of clearer labelling on energy drinks, outlining their levels of caffeine and associated risks. Some are calling for stricter regulations, such as age limits and warnings regarding the perils of overuse of caffeine.

For those who rely on caffeine to make it through the day, professionals advise replacing it with safer sources, like herbal teas or natural energy sources such as balanced nutrition and adequate hydration. Fitness buffs, in particular, need to exercise caution when using pre-workout supplements that have excessive amounts of caffeine and other stimulants.

Katie Donnell's sad tale is a harsh reminder that even seemingly innocuous habits can have life-changing repercussions. Although caffeine is a ubiquitous and socially tolerated stimulant, overconsumption—particularly when combined with intense exercise—can place extreme stress on the heart.

While energy drinks are more popular than ever, it is essential that everyone, parents in particular, as well as policymakers, take a closer examination at their possible effects on health. Through increased awareness and education for responsible use, such tragedies as Donnell's can be avoided in the future.

For the time being, Barranon continues to tell her daughter's story hoping that it will be a warning to others. "I don't want anyone else to experience this suffering. If I can save even one life, then Katie's story won't be for nothing."

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India’s First Dengue Vaccine Nears Final Trial Stage

Updated Jul 4, 2025 | 09:00 AM IST

SummaryIndia’s first indigenous dengue vaccine, developed by ICMR and Panacea Biotec, is nearing completion of Phase 3 trial enrollment. With over 70% participants enrolled, a two-year follow-up will follow before seeking regulatory approval in 2027.
India’s First Dengue Vaccine Nears Final Trial Stage

Credits: Canva

In a significant stride toward curbing the spread of vector-borne diseases, India is moving closer to having its first indigenous dengue vaccine. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with Panacea Biotec, is on track to complete the enrollment of participants for Phase 3 clinical trials by October 2025, according to CNBC-TV18.

This crucial phase of testing, launched on August 14, 2024, marks the most advanced stage yet for the vaccine’s development. The multi-center, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study is designed to assess the vaccine’s efficacy, safety, and long-term immunogenicity. So far, over 70% of the targeted 10,335 participants have been enrolled across 20 medical centers nationwide, according to CNBC-TV18 sources.

Two-Year Follow-Up Required Before Regulatory Submission

Once participant enrollment is completed, each subject will be monitored for a two-year follow-up period. This extended observation window, considered critical for evaluating the vaccine's long-term safety and effectiveness, is expected to conclude by the end of 2027.

According to CNBC-TV18, sources familiar with the development confirmed, “The enrollment process is progressing smoothly, and no safety concerns have been reported so far.”

Only after the follow-up period ends and the data are thoroughly analyzed will the findings be submitted to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for regulatory review and potential market authorization. “If the vaccine demonstrates acceptable efficacy and a clean safety profile, it could then be considered for regulatory approval and subsequent launch,” CNBC-TV18 reported, quoting official sources.

ALSO READ: Dengue On The Rise: How Climate And Geography Are Shaping A Growing Threat

National-Scale Trial Across Premier Institutions

The Phase 3 trial is being carried out at reputed medical institutions located in major cities including Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Kolkata. According to CNBC-TV18, the study protocol stipulates a comprehensive two-year post-vaccination follow-up. The final data from this period will be crucial in determining the vaccine’s fate in the Indian market.

A Single-Dose Vaccine: What Is It All About?

What sets this vaccine apart from global counterparts is its single-dose formulation. This is expected to ease the logistical and financial challenges of mass immunization in dengue-endemic areas. Unlike international vaccines like Sanofi’s Dengvaxia and Takeda’s QDENGA—which require multiple doses and have limitations in efficacy across different dengue virus serotypes—India’s homegrown candidate offers a potentially more accessible and broadly applicable alternative.

Earlier phases of clinical evaluation, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials conducted in India, had already received regulatory clearance from CDSCO. These trials showed that the vaccine was both safe and capable of eliciting a strong immune response.

“India’s first dengue vaccine candidate has shown encouraging results so far. Phase 1 and 2 trials confirmed that the vaccine is safe and induces a protective immune response. We’re hopeful that Phase 3 will bring us closer to a much-needed tool in dengue prevention,” CNBC-TV18 reported, citing official sources.

YOU MAY LIKE: India’s First Indigenous Dengue Vaccine Coming Soon; What To Expect?

A Vital Step for a Country with High Dengue Burden

India continues to suffer from seasonal dengue outbreaks, with thousands of hospitalizations each year placing strain on public health infrastructure. The World Health Organization estimates about 390 million dengue infections occur globally each year, with India accounting for a significant portion. With no specific antiviral treatment available, prevention through vaccination and vector control remains the most effective strategy.

As per current projections, enrollment will wrap up by October 2025, followed by a two-year follow-up until the end of 2027. Only after this can ICMR and Panacea Biotec submit their formal application for market authorization, CNBC-TV18 noted.

If the vaccine passes regulatory scrutiny, it could revolutionize dengue control efforts not only in India but also in other low- and middle-income countries grappling with high disease burdens and limited access to effective vaccines.

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Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

Updated Jul 4, 2025 | 03:55 PM IST

SummaryAfter Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, Kentucky has not joined the list of US states to declare a measles outbreak, which as per the CDC means 3 cases must be related. Read more about it here.
Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

Credits: Canva

The latest state to join the measles outbreak, which has been ongoing for quite some time now in the United States, is Kentucky. It has declared the outbreak, and has been confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday. So far, there has been a total of 1,267 confirmed cases of measles this year, nationwide.

For now, five active measles cases have been detected in Kentucky, and four of these are linked to the same outbreak.

"When there are measles outbreaks in other states and nearby countries, it is not surprising to see spread to Kentucky," Steven Stack, M.D., secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said in a statement. "Measles can be very serious, but it is avoidable through vaccination. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles."

Also Read: This Year, Doctor's Day Reminded That Doctors Too Are Humans And Can Get Emotionally Exhausted

Measles: How Many Outbreaks And How Many Cases?

The CDC defines an outbreak as at least three related cases, and so far in 2025, 27 such outbreaks have been reported. Of them, 88% of the confirmed cases, which means 1,115 cases out of 1,267, are linked with the ongoing outbreak. In 2024, a total of 285 measles cases were reported by 33 jurisdictions, resulting in 16 outbreaks.

Since the late winter of 2024 till spring of 2025, Texas witnessed the country's largest outbreak, and three additional cases were reported this week. The case count in Texas now totals 753 since late January.

Last week, the New Mexico Department of Health reported five measles cases at the Luna County Detention Center in Deming. Officials are currently determining the vaccination status of people being held at the facility.

"The cases at Luna County Detention Center are a stark reminder that the measles outbreak in New Mexico is not over," Chad Smelser, M.D., a medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health, said in a statement. "We urge everyone in New Mexico, especially Luna County residents, to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against measles."

So far, from the measles cases in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, three deaths have been reported. Among them, two were elementary school-aged children from the West Texas epicenter, and one was an adult in New Mexico. All of them were unvaccinated.

Also Read: Kylie Page’s Sudden Death Raises Questions About Drug Use, As Fentanyl And Drug Paraphernalia Found In Apartment

What Vaccine Must One Take To Prevent Measles?

The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as the "best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella". For children, it recommends two doses of MMRV.

The MMR vaccine is a combination of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, while the MMRV is a combination of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines.

In the US, two MMR vaccines are available for use, including M-M-R II, and PRIORIX. For MMRV, the vaccine is only licensed for children who are 12 months through 12 years of age. The first dose is usually administered between the ages of 12 to 15 months, while the second dose is administered between the ages of 4 to 6.

For older children, adolescents and adults, the two doses of MMR vaccines should be separated by at least 28 days.

What Is Measles?

CDC notes that it is a highly contagious virus, which means if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will also become infected. As per the Mayo Clinic, measles is caused by the measles virus, which can spread through an infected person's cough, sneeze, or even during conversations.

Measles: Signs And Symptoms

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

  • High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose (coryza)
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Rash

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Kylie Page’s Sudden Death Raises Questions About Drug Use, As Fentanyl And Drug Paraphernalia Found In Apartment

Updated Jul 3, 2025 | 02:16 PM IST

SummaryKylie Page Death: Netflix and adult film star Kylie Page, 28, was found dead in her apartment, with fentanyl and drug paraphernalia recovered—her sudden death is under further investigation.
Adult film star Kylie Page dies at 28

Credits: Instagram

Netflix and adult film star Kylie Page's sudden death just at the age of 28 has come has a shock for the entertainment industry and her family. She was found dead at her apartment on June 25 after a friend called the cops when the friend was unable to reach her.

By the time the fire department arrived at her Hollywood residence, she had already been pronounced dead.

Kylie Page Death Reason

According to US Weekly's report the evidence suspect a drug overdose case as the police confirmed for finding fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. According to publicly available records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, her cause of death is currently listed as “deferred,” indicating further investigation is underway, possibly involving suspected foul play. Her death was confirmed by the Canadian adult entertainment company she worked for.

Also Read: Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her 'Really Difficult' Time During Chemotherapy And How Nature Helped Her Heal

"The Brazzers team is deeply saddened to learn of Kylie Page’s passing,” the company said in a statement on X. “Kylie will be remembered for her laughter, kindness, and bringing light wherever she went. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kylie’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”

Fentanyl & Paraphernalia overdose: How These Drugs Impact Your Body?

Page's death has again reminded people of drug use and abuse in the entertainment industry cases like Matthew Perry's death and Liam Payne's death.

In case of Page, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia was found in her home.

As per the Edge Treatment Center that is licensed by the California State Department of Health Care Services, and US federal law, drug paraphernalia is any device, item, or component of any type which is mainly meant or crafted for the purpose of production, compounding, transforming, obscuring, generating, processing, prepping, injecting, inhaling, consuming, or otherwise including a banned drug into our bodies.

Common Drugs Linked with Paraphernalia

  • Marijuana/cannabis
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin and other opioids
  • Methamphetamines
  • Ecstasy
  • Inhalants

What Is Fentanyl and Why Is It So Dangerous?

As per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

It is also known as Apace, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, and by other various names. It can be consumed through snorting, sniffing, smoking, or orally by pill or tablet. It could also be spiked onto blotter paper, patches or sold alone or in combination with heroin and other substances.

How Fentanyl Affects the Body and Mind

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, US, Fentanyl and other illegally produced synthetic opioids have played a major role in the overdose crisis in the United States since 2013.

Since about 2017, overdose deaths often involve use of multiple drugs. In many cases, fentanyl is one of these drugs. When fentanyl is mixed with other drugs, either on purpose or unknowingly, the combination can have more serious health effects.

Like other opioid pain relievers, fentanyl can cause a range of effects including relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, constricted pupils, and slowed breathing.

In cases of overdose, symptoms may include stupor, altered pupil size, cold and clammy skin, bluish discoloration (cyanosis), coma, and respiratory failure, which can be fatal. A combination of coma, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression is a strong indicator of opioid intoxication.

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