A new study has found that reports involving energy drinks and other stimulant-containing products more frequently included serious cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrest and heart attacks, particularly among young adults. The research, released by the American Heart Association (AHA), was scheduled for presentation at its Scientific Sessions in Chicago from November 6 to 9, 2026. Researchers analysed more than 28,000 reports submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving cardiovascular events. These included cardiac arrest, heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, palpitations, rapid heart rate, chest pain and fainting. According to the analysis, cardiac arrest appeared approximately 11 times as often in reports involving caffeine- or stimulant-containing products as in reports involving products without those ingredients. Heart attacks were reported around 4.5 times as often, while ventricular arrhythmias or palpitations appeared about four times as frequently. Around 45% of the reported cardiovascular events associated with stimulant products involved adults aged 18 to 34. The products included energy drinks, supplements, soft drinks, meal-replacement shakes, protein bars, smoothies and vitamins. Researchers examined stimulants such as caffeine, guarana, yerba mate, synephrine and yohimbine. Experts cautioned that high caffeine intake may pose risks, particularly for people with underlying heart conditions. Some energy drinks and pre-workout supplements can contain substantially more caffeine per serving than brewed coffee, while additional stimulants may complicate their effects. Researchers advised consumers to watch for symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, fainting or an unusually rapid heartbeat and seek medical attention if they occur. The findings are based on reported events and do not establish that stimulant products directly caused the reported cardiovascular problems.

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