Source : Perth Now news
Energy drinks have been linked to heart attacks, cardiac arrests and other serious heart problems, researchers have warned.
The preliminary US research found caffeinated energy drinks and stimulant-containing pre-workout supplements appeared “disproportionately more often” in reports of cardiovascular events, particularly among adults aged 18 to 34.
Researchers analysed more than 28,000 adverse-event reports submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration between 2017 and 2025.
Cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more often in connection with caffeine- and stimulant-containing products than products without these ingredients, while reports involving energy drinks and supplements were about 4.5 times more likely to include heart attacks.
Other problems were also reported more frequently, including elevated heart rate, which was nearly three times more common, chest pain, which was 2.71 times more common, and fainting, which was reported about twice as often.
The researchers said the findings were particularly notable because young adults are not generally considered to be at high risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Sai Samayamanthula, a study author and fourth-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, 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.
“For many healthy people, if these products are consumed occasionally, the risk is probably small.
“However, individuals who consume energy drinks or other stimulant-containing supplements regularly can quickly exceed the recommended daily limit for caffeine, so it’s important for people to know that there may be a risk of cardiovascular harm with these products.”
It is generally considered safe for most adults to consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day, roughly equivalent to four to five cups of tea or coffee.
However, some energy drinks contain as much as three times more caffeine per 30ml than brewed coffee, while some pre-workout supplements contain more than 12 times as much.
The findings are due to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026.
Dr Gregory M. Marcus, chair of the 2026 American Heart Association, said: “This study raises concerns that products with very high amounts of caffeine may be harmful to the cardiovascular system.
“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 found in this analysis.
“More research is needed to understand whether these stimulant products are truly responsible for the reported heart-related events.”
