Cardiac arrest showed up 11 times more often in FDA reports on energy drinks. Here is what it means.
The research was released on November 2, 2026. It will be presented at the Scientific Sessions in Chicago, November 6 to 9.
Researchers studied reports from 2017 to 2025. Of them, 854 mentioned energy drinks or stimulant supplements.
Compared with products without stimulants, cardiac arrest reports were about 11 times more common. Heart attacks were 4.5 times more likely.
Dangerous heart rhythms were 4 times more likely. Fast heart rate, chest pain and fainting also showed up far more often.
About 45% of the linked reports involved adults aged 18 to 34. That is a group usually seen as low risk for heart disease.
Some energy drinks carry up to 3 times more caffeine per ounce than brewed coffee. Sales passed $20 billion in 2024.
The FDA treats energy drinks as foods, not drugs. So they skip the safety testing drugs must pass before sale.
The study is a conference abstract, not peer-reviewed. The reports are voluntary, so it cannot prove the drinks caused the events.
The AHA says up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is safe for most adults. That is about five small cups of black coffee.
The study author wants doctors to ask about energy drinks when young patients report heart flutters, chest pain or fainting.
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