Energy Drinks and Heart Problems: New Research Raises Concerns
Energy drinks promise quick energy, better focus, and improved performance. Many young adults use them to stay awake while studying, work longer hours, or exercise harder. However, new research raises concerns about their possible effects on heart health.
Researchers found that reports of serious heart problems appeared much more often with energy drinks and other stimulant products than with products without these ingredients. The findings are especially concerning for adults aged 18 to 34.
The research will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago, from November 6 to 9. However, the findings are preliminary. They do not prove that energy drinks directly cause heart attacks or cardiac arrest.
What the new study found about energy drinks and heart problems
Researchers reviewed 28,345 reports submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2017 and 2025. These reports described possible harmful reactions to foods and dietary supplements.
Of these reports, 854 involved products containing caffeine or other stimulants. The researchers compared them with 27,491 reports involving products that did not contain these ingredients.
The results showed several concerning patterns:
- Cardiac arrest appeared about 11 times more often in reports involving stimulant products.
- Heart attacks appeared about 4.5 times more often.
- Ventricular arrhythmias and heart palpitations appeared about four times more often.
- Reports of unusually fast heart rates were nearly three times more common.
- Chest pain appeared about 2.7 times more often.
- Fainting appeared about twice as often.
About 45% of the reports involving cardiovascular problems and stimulant products concerned adults aged 18 to 34.
These findings do not mean that 45% of young energy drink users will develop heart problems. The researchers examined safety reports, not the health outcomes of everyone who consumed these products.
The study also grouped products by their ingredients rather than specific brands. Therefore, it does not identify one energy drink brand as more dangerous than another.
Why energy drinks may affect your heart
Most energy drinks contain caffeine, a stimulant that increases alertness. Caffeine can also temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Some products contain additional stimulants. These include guarana, yerba mate, synephrine, and yohimbine. Some pre-workout supplements also contain several stimulant ingredients.
Combining these substances may increase the total stimulant intake. This can place extra strain on the cardiovascular system in some people.
For example, a university student might drink an energy drink before an exam. Later, they might take a pre-workout supplement before visiting the gym. Both products may contain caffeine or other stimulants.
The combined amount can become much higher than expected. Some people may also consume coffee, tea, or other caffeinated drinks throughout the day.
Researchers do not yet know exactly why the reports showed a stronger pattern among young adults. Frequent use, intense exercise, mixing stimulants with alcohol, and undiagnosed heart conditions may help explain the findings.
How much caffeine is safe?
The American Heart Association says up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is generally safe for most healthy adults. However, this is not a target everyone should aim to reach.
Caffeine levels differ between products. Some energy drinks contain much more caffeine per fluid ounce than regular brewed coffee. Pre-workout supplements may contain even higher concentrations.
Check the product label before drinking an energy drink or taking a stimulant supplement. Also, remember that caffeine from different sources adds up throughout the day.
People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or sensitivity to caffeine may need to limit their intake further. Pregnant people should also follow pregnancy-specific caffeine guidance from their healthcare professional.
What can you do to protect your heart?
You do not need an energy drink to stay alert or get through a busy day. Regular sleep, balanced meals, adequate water intake, and physical activity can support your energy levels.
For example, a student preparing for exams can take short breaks, drink water, and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Someone going to the gym can focus on proper meals and hydration instead of relying on several stimulant products.
Looking for simple ways to boost your daily health? Check out our guides on Why Work-Life Balance Is So Important—and How to Nail It, why you Shouldn’t Scrap Those Fruit and Vegetable Peels, and the Surprising Daily Brain Benefit of Peanuts.
Stop using a stimulant product and seek medical advice if you notice repeated palpitations or unusual symptoms after consuming it. Chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or a racing heartbeat with dizziness require urgent medical attention.
What are the limitations of the study?
The findings raise concerns, but they need careful interpretation.
The researchers examined voluntary reports sent to the FDA. They did not track everyone who consumed energy drinks or compare the actual risk among users and non-users.
This means researchers cannot calculate how likely an energy drink consumer is to experience a heart attack. They also cannot confirm that the products caused the reported events.
Other factors, including existing health conditions, exercise, alcohol, and other substances, may have contributed.
The research is also a conference abstract. The American Heart Association says meeting abstracts are not peer-reviewed and should be considered preliminary until published as full research papers.
More studies are needed to understand the possible risks and identify which products or ingredients may be responsible.
The Bottom Line
Energy drinks may seem like an easy way to fight tiredness, but their stimulant content deserves attention. New preliminary research found that reports of serious heart problems appeared more often with caffeine and stimulant products, particularly among young adults.
The findings do not prove that energy drinks cause heart attacks or cardiac arrest. Still, checking caffeine levels, avoiding multiple stimulant products, and taking heart-related symptoms seriously are sensible precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can energy drinks cause heart attacks?
The new research found an association between stimulant products and reports of heart attacks. However, it did not prove that energy drinks directly caused them.
Are energy drinks safe for young adults?
Young adults should be careful with energy drinks, especially products containing high amounts of caffeine or several stimulants. Having no known heart condition does not guarantee that someone will avoid side effects.
Can energy drinks cause an irregular heartbeat?
Caffeine and other stimulants can affect heart rate and may trigger palpitations in some people. The study also found more reports of abnormal heart rhythms involving stimulant products.
Should I stop drinking energy drinks?
If you use them regularly, check their caffeine content and consider reducing your intake. Avoid combining several stimulant products, and speak with a healthcare professional if you experience heart-related symptoms.
