Energy drinks linked to far more reports of cardiac arrest, preliminary study finds
Researchers presented the early findings at the American Heart Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions, and younger adults made up a large share of cases.
Energy drinks and stimulant supplements appeared far more often than products without those ingredients in reports of cardiac arrest, heart attacks and other heart problems, according to preliminary research. People ages 18 to 34 accounted for a substantial share of reported heart problems involving caffeinated products. The research was independent and was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2026.
The researchers stressed that the findings do not prove energy drinks or stimulants caused the emergencies. The American Heart Association says most adults can generally have up to 400 mg of caffeine a day without significant safety concerns, about five 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee. However, some energy drinks contain up to three times as much caffeine per fluid ounce as coffee, and some pre-workout supplements contain more than 12 times the concentration.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies these products as foods or dietary supplements rather than medications, so they do not face the same safety testing required for medicines. The energy drink market has more than doubled over the past decade and topped $20 billion in 2024. A study author from the University of Virginia said that for many healthy people, occasional use likely carries small risk, while people who consume these products regularly may face higher risk.
Key points
- Products with stimulants appear far more often in heart-event reports.
- Adults ages 18 to 34 made up a large share of cases.
- The FDA does not regulate these products like medications.
Read the original reporting
Summarized with AI from the sources above and reviewed before publishing.
