Cardiologist Urges Heart Patients to Avoid Energy Drinks With 80 Milligrams of Caffeine
Updated
Updated · TODAY · Aug 6
Cardiologist Urges Heart Patients to Avoid Energy Drinks With 80 Milligrams of Caffeine
3 articles · Updated · TODAY · Aug 6
Summary
Dr. James Stone told heart patients to avoid energy drinks entirely, saying the beverages can trigger dangerous heart-rhythm problems and worsen existing cardiac conditions.
The main risk, he said, is not caffeine alone but multiple stimulants taken together—such as taurine, guarana and L-carnitine—which can speed the heart and counter medications like beta blockers.
Stone said he regularly sees young people, athletes and night-shift workers report palpitations after drinking two or three energy drinks a day, with some consuming even more while studying.
A typical 8.4-ounce energy drink contains 80 milligrams of caffeine; Stone said most adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams a day and should choose black coffee instead.
The warning aligns with broader medical caution: the American Academy of Pediatrics says adolescents should not consume energy drinks, and researchers have said they may trigger lethal arrhythmias in vulnerable hearts.