Energy Drinks Linked to Serious Heart Issues in Young Adults, Study Warns

Doctors are increasingly observing symptoms such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and chest pain in young individuals who consume caffeinated energy drinks. A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions indicates a connection between these beverages, along with workout supplements, and serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks.

An analysis of over 28,000 adverse events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration between 2017 and 2025 revealed that caffeinated drinks were associated with heart problems significantly more often than non-caffeinated beverages. These cardiac issues were particularly noted among adults aged 18 to 34, a demographic not typically considered at high risk for cardiovascular events.

While consuming up to five cups of coffee daily (approximately 44mg of caffeine) is generally deemed safe, some energy drinks contain up to three times this amount. Pre-workout supplements are even more concerning, potentially containing 12 times the caffeine per fluid ounce compared to regular coffee.

Dr. Gregory Marcus, chairman of the American Heart Association, emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the impact of caffeinated drinks on young people. "This study raises concerns that products with very high amounts of caffeine may be harmful to the cardiovascular system," Dr. Marcus stated. He also noted that while biological mechanisms could explain the link, the study does not definitively prove causation due to potential confounding factors.

Cardiac arrest was reported approximately 11 times more frequently in connection with caffeinated drinks compared to caffeine-free products. Reports involving energy drinks and supplements were about 4.5 times more likely to mention heart attacks and four times more likely to include abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations. Elevated heart rate, chest pain, and fainting were more than twice as common in individuals who consumed products containing caffeine or other stimulants.

Nearly half of the reports linking caffeinated products to cardiovascular events involved individuals aged 18 to 34, with similar trends observed in both men and women. Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine analyzed data from a US government database, comparing adverse reaction reports related to various caffeine products, including soft drinks, meal replacement shakes, protein bars, smoothies, and vitamins.

The study highlighted that many of these products are marketed as daily energy boosters and are sold alongside sodas and bottled water without explicit warning labels. In the UAE, a combination of strict tax policies, health warnings, and age restrictions aims to curb energy drink consumption. These drinks are subject to a 100% excise tax, and individuals under 16 are prohibited from purchasing them. Warning labels are also affixed to deter vulnerable groups, such as those with heart disease or hypertension, or breastfeeding women.

Energy drinks are banned from sale in all public and private school canteens, educational institutions, and medical centers. Dr. Hesham Tayel, a consultant cardiologist at International Modern Hospital in Dubai, confirmed treating an increasing number of young patients with caffeine-related health issues. "We've definitely been seeing more of this over the past few years," Dr. Tayel remarked. "Most of the cases aren't dramatic cardiac arrests or heart attacks, but rather young patients presenting with heart issues after consuming large amounts of energy drinks, often together with pre-workout supplements, nicotine products, lack of sleep, or intense exercise."

Dr. Tayel stressed that these drinks are not equivalent to coffee. "Many contain multiple stimulants, and some young people consume several cans in a short period of time without realising how much caffeine they are actually taking."

Market research from Euromonitor International indicates that taxes have reduced energy drink sales by up to 65% in the first 15 months of implementation. The Federal Tax Authority reported that these taxes have successfully influenced manufacturing, prompting producers to reformulate products or develop healthier alternatives.

Cardiologists express concern that doctors often cannot identify individuals susceptible to cardiac events. "A teenager or young adult may appear completely healthy but have an underlying electrical disorder, a predisposition to arrhythmias, or a tendency towards coronary vasospasm that becomes apparent only after exposure to large amounts of stimulants," explained Dr. Tayel. "Energy drinks should be treated as stimulant products rather than soft drinks."

Caffeine stimulates adrenaline-like activity, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Many energy drinks also contain guarana, which adds more caffeine, and some pre-workout products include other stimulants, potentially leading to a total dose higher than initially apparent. The effects of caffeine can be amplified when combined with dehydration, common during intense exercise.

Dr. Zaidoun Hajali, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Medcare Hospital, Al Safa, noted, "Energy drinks are now a normal part of the day for many students, young professionals and shift workers. I see them used to get through exams, long working hours, gym sessions and late-night gaming. What concerns me is that most of these young people do not count energy drinks as caffeine. When I ask about coffee, they say one cup. But when I ask specifically about energy drinks, pre-workout powders and iced coffees, the real total is often much higher."