New research by the American Heart Association has linked energy drinks and stimulant dietary supplements to serious heart problems, including heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. The findings are based on an analysis of more than 28,000 reports submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2017 and 2025.
Researchers examined reports of heart-related issues, including heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrest and irregular heart rhythms. They found that adults aged 18 to 34 who experienced these problems were more likely to have consumed energy drinks containing caffeine or dietary supplements containing stimulants, such as pre-workout powders.
According to the researchers, heart attacks were approximately 4.5 times more frequently associated with energy drinks and dietary supplements containing stimulants. Irregular heart rhythms, particularly ventricular arrhythmias, and palpitations were about four times more frequently linked to high caffeine intake.
The study also established a link between energy drink consumption and other cardiac complaints. This included an almost three times higher likelihood of rapid heart rate, a 2.71 times higher likelihood of chest pain and an almost double likelihood of fainting.
The findings raise concerns about the potential heart risks of consuming energy drinks and high-caffeine dietary supplements, especially among younger adults. Study author Sai Samayamanthula from the University of Virginia School of Medicine stated that the results support the case for more systematic monitoring of the safety of products containing caffeine and stimulants.
"In addition, healthcare providers should keep in mind that they should ask younger patients who have palpitations, chest pain or fainting whether they have recently or regularly consumed these products," the study author added.
