Study links energy drinks to higher cardiac arrest risk in young adults

Energy drinks and other caffeine-fueled beverages have been linked to a higher risk of cardiac arrest, particularly in younger adults, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026.

Researchers reviewed more than 28,000 adverse-event reports filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2017 to 2025. One source states the exact figure as 28,345 reports.

The study found that cardiac arrest appeared about 11 times more often in reports involving products with caffeine or other stimulants than in reports about products without them. Heart attacks were about 4.5 times more likely to be reported, while irregular heartbeats were about four times more likely, according to the study.

Nearly half of the heart-related reports involving these products concerned adults ages 18 to 34. One source specifies that 45% of these reports were about young adults aged 18 to 34 and notes that biological sex was not a factor.

The researchers say the pattern raises concern because young adults are not usually considered at high risk for heart problems. However, the findings show a link in reports, not proof that the products caused the events. The data also does not show how many people used these products without problems, or how many heart events went unreported.

Some energy drinks and workout supplements contain far more caffeine per ounce than brewed coffee, and people may consume them before intense exercise or alongside other substances.

Study author Sai Samayamanthula said in a release: "Our findings support the case for more systematic safety monitoring of caffeine- and stimulant-containing products. In addition, healthcare professionals should remember to ask their younger patients who have palpitations, chest pain or fainting spells if they recently or regularly consume these products."

Samayamanthula also said: "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."

Current guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend a daily limit of 400 mg. of caffeine, but two cans of some energy drinks on the market are more than that amount. For people without underlying health issues, "the risk is probably small" for cardiac complications with occasional consumption of the beverages, Samayamanthula says.

Researchers urge health professionals to ask younger patients with symptoms such as chest pain, fainting or a racing heartbeat whether they use these products, and say more study and better safety monitoring are needed.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.