American Heart Association study links energy drinks to higher rates of cardiac events in young adults

A preliminary study conducted by the American Heart Association examined more than 28,300 health events reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2017 and 2025. The analysis found that incidents involving energy drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages were cited about 11 times more often in cardiac arrest reports than incidents involving non-caffeinated products. Cases mentioning energy drinks were also roughly four times more likely to involve arrhythmia.

The researchers noted that energy drinks often contain mixtures of methylxanthines, sympathomimetics, yohimbine and other ingredients whose health effects are not well understood. The study highlighted a rise in reports of irregular heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death among otherwise healthy young adults who regularly consume these drinks.

"The findings point to a high number of adverse heart impacts in young adults in the 18-to-34 age range, for whom heart conditions are generally rare," the study authors wrote.

The authors cautioned that a causal relationship between energy-drink consumption and heart problems has not been established, and the research has not yet undergone peer review.

The analysis underscores the need for further investigation into the cardiovascular effects of energy drinks, particularly given their popularity among younger consumers.