Researchers have found that the caffeine-fueled beverages are associated with adverse cardiac events

NEED TO KNOW

• Researchers found reports involving energy drinks were more likely to mention heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms
• Nearly half of reported adverse effects involving stimulant products were among adults ages 18 to 34
• Experts urge doctors to ask young patients with chest pain or fainting about stimulant product use

Energy drinks may be linked to serious heart problems for young adults, according to concerning new research about the popular caffeine-fueled beverages.

The energy drinks and other stimulant products were linked to reports of cardiac arrest and other heart problems in people aged 18 to 34, according to a press release about preliminary research to be presented later this week at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 conference, beginning Nov. 6 in Chicago.

The findings came after researchers reviewed data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s database on 28,345 adverse events reported after consuming products from 2017 to 2025.

Researchers found that cardiac arrest was reported 11 times more often “in connection with caffeine- and stimulant-containing products,” and that reports mentioning energy drinks and supplements were approximately 4.5 times more likely to mention heart attacks, and four times more likely to mention abnormal heart rhythms. 

Nearly half of these reports — 45% — were about young adults aged 18 to 34. Biological sex was not a factor. 

“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,” study author Sai Samayamanthula said in the release.

And as Samayamanthula pointed out, “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.”

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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. “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.”

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