From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
Energy drinks risk heart attacks in young adults
New research shows energy drinks increase heart attack and cardiac arrest risk in young adults.
In brief
New research shows energy drinks increase heart attack and cardiac arrest risk in young adults. Energy drinks raise heart attack and cardiac arrest risk for young adults aged 18-34, according to a study of 30,000 adverse health outcomes. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Energy drinks and heart risks
New research shows energy drinks increase heart attack and cardiac arrest risk in young adults.
Study findings
The study found 45% of cardiac cases involved people aged 18 to 34, an age group not usually at high risk for heart attacks.
Study author
Sai Samayamanthula, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, said energy drinks are marketed as everyday pick-me-ups with no real risk.
Study methodology
The research reviewed nearly 30,000 adverse health outcomes tied to energy drink consumption reported to the Food and Drug Administration from 2017 to 2025.
Cardiac event risks
Energy drinks with caffeine and stimulants were 11 times more likely to cause cardiac arrest than products without these ingredients.
Heart attack risks
Energy drinks and supplements were 4.5 times more likely to include heart attacks and four times more likely to include abnormal heart rhythms.
Caffeine limits
Healthy adults should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, but children 12 and older should have no more than 100 mg.
Energy drink consumption
Pediatric exposures to energy drinks increased by 24% from 2022 to 2:023, according to America's Poison Centers.
Health risks
Energy drinks increase risk of anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, and mixing with alcohol raises binge drinking and drunk driving risks.
Industry growth
The energy drink industry hit $25 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at 6% annually.
What matters most
Energy drinks raise heart attack and cardiac arrest risk for young adults aged 18-34, according to a study of 30,000 adverse health outcomes.
