Study links energy drinks to increased risk of heart attacks and cardiac arrest in young adults
Research by the American Heart Association found that energy drinks and stimulant supplements are associated with a higher incidence of serious cardiovascular events, especially among adults aged 18 to 34.
The American Heart Association reported that energy drinks and other stimulant-containing supplements are linked to a heightened risk of serious heart problems, including cardiac arrest and heart attacks, with the majority of cases occurring in young adults. Analysis of more than 28,000 FDA reports of cardiovascular events showed that about 45 % involved individuals aged 18 to 34.
Heart attacks were reported roughly 4.5 times more often, and abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations about four times more often, among users of stimulant products compared with non-users. Cardiac arrest appeared disproportionately in reports involving caffeine, with stimulant-containing products cited about 11 times as often as products without those ingredients. Elevated heart rate, chest pain and fainting were also more common in the stimulant group.
"We’ve known through case reports and anecdotal evidence that caffeine in high amounts can be potentially dangerous to people with underlying heart conditions and even those who have normal hearts," said Colin Kane, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist and service chief at Children’s Health and professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, who was not involved in the study.