Energy drinks and pre-workout powders have become a daily habit for many students, gym-goers and shift workers. But a new analysis of reports sent to the FDA suggests these products may carry heart risks, and nearly half of the heart-related reports involved adults 34 and younger.
Key Takeaways
- Cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more often in FDA adverse-event reports involving caffeinated energy drinks and stimulant supplements than in reports involving non-stimulant products such as protein bars and vitamins.
- Heart attacks were reported about 4.5 times more often, and dangerous heart rhythm problems or palpitations about 4 times more often.
- About 45% of the heart-related reports involved adults ages 18 to 34.
- The findings were released ahead of the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago (November 6–9). They are preliminary and haven’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- The study shows a link, not proof that these products caused heart problems. Most people who use them occasionally don’t have serious issues.
What the study found
Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reviewed more than 28,000 reports submitted to the FDA’s adverse-event database between 2017 and 2025 by or about people 13 and older.
Of those, 854 reports involved caffeinated energy drinks or stimulant dietary supplements, such as pre-workout powders and fat burners. The researchers compared them with 27,491 reports involving products without caffeine or stimulants, including soft drinks, protein bars and vitamins.
Products were grouped by ingredient rather than brand. These included caffeine; plant-based stimulants such as guarana, yerba mate and green tea extract; and stronger stimulants like synephrine (from bitter orange), ephedra, DMAA and higenamine.
Compared with reports for non-stimulant products, reports for energy drinks and stimulant supplements mentioned:
- Cardiac arrest: about 11 times more often
- Heart attack: about 4.5 times more often
- Ventricular arrhythmias (dangerous rhythm problems) or palpitations: about 4 times more often
- Rapid heart rate: nearly 3 times more often
- Chest pain: about 2.7 times more often
- Fainting: about twice as often
The patterns were similar in men and women.
Why young adults may be at risk
The researchers didn’t determine why young adults made up such a large share of the heart-related reports, but they suggested several possibilities:
- How often they use these products. Young adults are among the biggest consumers of energy drinks and pre-workout supplements.
- How they use them. Taking them before intense exercise, or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs, may increase strain on the heart.
- Undiagnosed heart conditions. Some young people have inherited heart rhythm disorders or structural heart problems they don’t know about, which stimulants could trigger.
Caffeine and other stimulants raise heart rate and blood pressure. In large doses, they can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, especially in people who are sensitive.
How much caffeine is in these products?
The American Heart Association’s 2026 scientific statement on caffeine says up to 400 mg a day, about five 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee, is generally safe for most healthy adults.
But the amount in energy products can add up fast:
- Some energy drinks contain up to 3 times more caffeine per ounce than brewed coffee.
- Some pre-workout supplements contain more than 12 times as much.
Because the FDA regulates these products as foods or dietary supplements, they don’t go through the safety testing required for medications before they’re sold. Some also contain stimulants besides caffeine, which may not be well studied.
What the study can’t tell us
The FDA’s database relies on voluntary reports from consumers, health care providers and companies. That means it’s impossible to know how many people used these products without any problems, or how many had problems that were never reported. The reports also can’t confirm that the product caused the event.
An outside cardiologist who chaired the AHA’s caffeine statement noted that other factors may have influenced the results. The lead researcher said occasional use likely carries a small risk for many healthy people, but regular use can quickly push someone past recommended caffeine limits.
How to use energy products more safely
- Read the label and keep track of your total caffeine from all sources, including coffee, tea, soda and supplements.
- Stick to one serving, and avoid stacking energy drinks with pre-workouts or caffeine pills.
- Don’t mix energy drinks with alcohol. Caffeine can mask how drunk you feel, and the combination may strain the heart.
- Be cautious before intense exercise, especially in hot weather or if you’re dehydrated.
- Avoid products with ephedra, DMAA or synephrine, which have been linked to serious heart problems.
- Keep energy drinks away from children and teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against them for young people.
- Stop and see a doctor if you have palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting after using these products. Tell them what you took.
- Call 911 for chest pain, a racing heartbeat with dizziness, or fainting.
This isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Sources:
- Samayamanthula S, et al. Abstract MDP0323, presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2026, Chicago, November 6–9, 2026.
- American Heart Association Newsroom: Energy drinks, stimulant products linked to cardiac arrest, heart attack in young adults. November 2, 2026.
- American Heart Association. Scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease. 2026.