ENERGY DRINKS LINKED TO CARDIAC ARREST AND HEART ATTACK IN YOUNG ADULTS
They are sold next to the bottled water and promise a quick lift, but new research suggests energy drinks and stimulant supplements may deserve a little more caution.
A study being presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in Chicago this weekend has linked these products to reports of cardiac arrest, heart attack and racing hearts, with young adults making up a large share of the cases.
If you, your partner or your teenagers reach for a can to get through the day, it is worth a read.
What the energy drinks study looked at
Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine analysed reports sent to the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event database between 2017 and 2025.
They compared 854 reports involving caffeinated energy drinks or stimulant-containing supplements with 27,491 reports involving products without stimulants, such as soft drinks, protein bars, smoothies and vitamins.
Products were grouped by ingredient rather than brand, including caffeine, guarana, yerba mate, green tea or coffee extracts, and stronger stimulants such as synephrine and yohimbine.
The heart findings
According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more often with caffeine or stimulant products than with the comparison products.
Heart attack was about 4.5 times more likely to be reported, and irregular heartbeats or palpitations about four times more likely.
Reports of a fast heart rate came up nearly three times as often, chest pain 2.71 times as often and fainting around twice as often.
About 45 per cent of the heart-related reports linked to these products involved adults aged 18 to 34.
Importantly for women, the researchers found similar patterns in both men and women.
Why young adults?
The study could not say why younger people featured so heavily, but the researchers suggested a few possibilities.
These include how often young adults use these products, the way they use them, such as before intense exercise or mixed with alcohol, and heart conditions that have not yet been diagnosed.
Lead author Sai Samayamanthula, a medical student, said most people assume these products carry no real risk because they are marketed as everyday pick-me-ups.
A few important caveats
This is an early conference abstract that has not yet been peer reviewed, and it shows a link rather than proof that the products caused these events.
The reports were voluntary, so the data cannot show how many people used these drinks without any problems at all.
Cardiologist Dr Gregory Marcus from the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved, said the study "does not prove that caffeine products cause these events".
How much caffeine is too much?
The American Heart Association says up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, about five small cups of brewed coffee, is generally safe for most adults.
It also notes that some energy drinks contain up to three times more caffeine per fluid ounce than brewed coffee, and some pre-workout supplements more than 12 times as much.
Here in Australia, Food Standards Australia New Zealand caps caffeine in energy drinks at 320 milligrams per litre.
They must also carry a label saying they are not suitable for young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people sensitive to caffeine.
Practical ways to keep your heart happy
Check labels and add up your caffeine for the day, remembering that coffee, tea, cola and supplements all count.
Be extra careful with pre-workout powders, as some contain several stimulants in one scoop.
Avoid mixing energy drinks with alcohol, and keep them away from young children.
If you ever notice palpitations, chest pain or fainting, stop and talk to your GP, and mention any energy drinks or supplements you use.
In an emergency, always call triple zero.
A morning coffee is still a lovely ritual for most of us, but when it comes to those brightly coloured cans, a little moderation goes a long way.
