According to new data presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, caffeine-containing energy drinks and stimulants are associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction (heart attack) in young people.<\/p>\n
Researchers examined more than 28,000 adverse event reports recorded in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database between 2017 and 2025. The analysis showed that products containing caffeine and other stimulants were disproportionately represented in cases involving serious cardiovascular complications. The trend was particularly concerning among people aged 18 to 34, an age group traditionally considered to be at low risk of cardiovascular complications.<\/p>\n
Key findings of the study:<\/p>\n
Cardiac arrest was reported 11 times more frequently in connection with products containing caffeine and stimulants than in cases involving products without these ingredients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
The rates of heart attacks were 4.5 times higher, while ventricular arrhythmias and heart palpitations were 4 times higher in association with energy drinks and supplements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Associations were also identified with increased heart rate (3 times more frequently), chest pain (2.7 times) and fainting (2 times).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Of all cardiovascular events associated with these products, 45% involved patients aged 18\u201334.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
According to American Heart Association guidelines, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day (approximately five cups of coffee) is generally considered safe for adults. However, some energy drinks contain three times more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee, while certain pre-workout supplements contain up to 12 times more. Since the FDA regulates these products as foods and dietary supplements rather than medications, they are not subject to rigorous pre-market safety testing.<\/p>\n
“These products are marketed as everyday sources of energy and sold alongside water and soft drinks, so most consumers assume they are perfectly safe. For a healthy person who consumes them occasionally, the risk is probably small. However, regular users can quickly exceed the recommended daily caffeine limit. That is why it is important for the public to be aware of the potential cardiovascular risks,” said study author Sai Samayamantula, a researcher at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.<\/p>\n
According to Gregory Marcus, MD, a professor at the University of California, the findings warrant attention, but the study design must be taken into account when interpreting the results scientifically:<\/p>\n
“The study raises concerns that products containing large amounts of caffeine may be harmful to the cardiovascular system. Although there is a biological basis for this association, the study does not establish that caffeine-containing products directly cause these events, as other factors may also have influenced the findings. Further research is needed to determine whether these stimulants are actually responsible for heart problems,” Marcus said.<\/p>\n
The authors emphasize that the study is observational and relies on voluntary reports submitted to the FDA by consumers and healthcare professionals. Therefore, it identifies an association but cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship. The full preliminary findings will be discussed at the AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago on November 6\u20139.<\/p>\n