Energy Drinks and Stimulant Supplements Linked to Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Risk in Young Adults
Caffeinated energy drinks and stimulant supplements appeared in Food and Drug Administration adverse-event reports for cardiac arrest about eleven times as often as non-stimulant products, according to new research to be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Chicago, Fox News reported.
- An observational review of more than 28,000 FDA reports filed between 2017 and 2025 found that products containing caffeine and other stimulants were linked heavily to severe cardiovascular events.
- Adults between the ages of 18 and 34 accounted for approximately 45 percent of the reported cardiovascular incidents associated with these stimulant products.
- Cardiac arrest appeared in reports involving caffeine and stimulants roughly 11 times more frequently.
Young Adults Represent Nearly Half of Reported Cardiovascular Events
The analysis examined more than 28,000 reports submitted to the FDA detailing cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarctions, ventricular arrhythmias, palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain, and syncope.
Approximately 45 percent of the reported events involved young adults aged 18 to 34. The stimulants tracked in the review encompassed caffeine, methylxanthines, guarana, yerba mate, synephrine, yohimbine, and other compounds. The review also included reports involving products such as energy drinks, meal replacement shakes, protein bars, smoothies, and vitamins.
Cardiologist Perspectives on Caffeine Limits and Underlying Risks
Kane identified people with underlying heart conditions—particularly those with potentially dangerous heart rhythms—and older adults with coronary artery disease as groups needing particular awareness, adding that some people may have an underlying heart condition that has not yet been diagnosed. Dr. Pamela Benavidez, a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio, and senior study author, explained that some energy drinks have up to three times more caffeine per fluid ounce than brewed coffee, while some pre-workout supplements have more than 12 times as much.
Federal health guidance says consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is generally safe for most healthy adults, equivalent to up to five 8-ounce cups of regular black coffee. Dr. Abdul Saadi, an interventional cardiologist at Orlando Health in Brandon, stated that medical providers routinely question patients presenting with symptoms about their daily caffeine and energy drink consumption.
Study Limitations
Researchers acknowledged several limitations. The findings are preliminary and have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed manuscript. Because the study was observational, it could show only an association and could not prove that the products caused the cardiac events. The researchers also did not know how many people consumed these products without reporting symptoms or had symptoms they did not report.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.