Energy Drinks and Stimulant Supplements Linked to Acute Cardiovascular Events in Young Consumers
New study results presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago indicate a disproportionate reporting of acute cardiovascular events associated with caffeine- and stimulant-containing energy drinks and dietary supplements. Investigators reviewed data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Adverse Event Reporting System. The analysis compared cardiovascular event reports for products containing caffeine, methylxanthines (like guarana and green tea extracts), sympathomimetics (such as yohimbine and ephedra), and popular caffeinated brands (including Celsius, Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar) against other orally consumed products. The study found that 8 out of 10 cardiovascular outcomes achieved statistical signal thresholds, with the strongest signal for cardiac arrest, followed by myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia, and palpitations. These findings suggest a significant link between these products and...
