I’ve received a number of emails and posts recently about the health risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks, particularly in the young. The most informative link came from Medscape, an online resource I use frequently as a physician and find trustworthy.
These results were presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, using 10 years of FDA adverse events reports. What they reported was frankly shocking:
Energy drinks/stimulants linked to increased cardiac arrest (with an odds ratio of 11.15!); 7/18 cases fatal.
Increased odds of myocardial infarction (MI), ventricular arrhythmias, palpitations, and sinus tachycardia
For those ages 18–34: increased supraventricular arrhythmia, acute MI, and stroke
For those ages 13–17: increased hypertension and sinus tachycardia
The report analyzed a number of different brands of energy drinks (which are listed in the Medscape link above), but the key ingredients that were implicated include:
Caffeine and methylxanthines: Theobromine, guarana, yerba mate, and green tea or coffee extracts
Sympathomimetic agents: Synephrine, yohimbine, ephedra, dimethylamylamine, and higenamine
These molecules are known stimulants of the heart, and are often used in combination in “energy” drinks. It is very important to recognize that some of these ingredients may be fine in limited amounts, and may even provide health benefits (including green tea, and coffee, as I had discussed in a prior blog post), but when used in excess, or multiple stimulants combined, may lead to increased risk.
Unlike medications, energy drinks do not require FDA safety or efficacy approval before hitting store shelves. The FDA does not have a formal, unique regulatory category called "energy drinks." Instead, manufacturers choose to market them as either: Conventional foods/beverages (governed by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act), which feature a "Nutrition Facts" label, or Dietary supplements, governed by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which feature a "Supplement Facts" label. Under both classifications, the law places the legal responsibility on the manufacturer to ensure that their product and all of its ingredients are safe for consumption.
Very importantly, the FDA does not enforce a specific federal cap on caffeine content in energy drinks, nor does federal law strictly mandate that companies display total caffeine counts on conventional beverage labels (though many major brands do so voluntarily).
Bottom line: as a primary care physician I will certainly be discouraging use of energy drinks in my younger patients, though these same risks would very likely apply to all patients if they are consuming these beverages in excessive amounts. Parents and families should be aware of this important potential risk and provide guidance to their loved ones.
