An analysis by the American Heart Association of cardiovascular events reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2017 and 2025 identified an association between energy drinks, pre‑workout supplements and serious heart problems among young adults.

The review showed that 45 % of emergency reports involving these products for people aged 18 to 34 involved cardiac arrest or heart attack.

Researchers stress that the findings indicate an association, not a proven causal link, and call for more focused studies to determine how caffeine and other stimulants may trigger severe cardiac events.

Caffeine, the primary stimulant in these drinks, can raise blood pressure and accelerate heart rate, adding strain to the cardiovascular system when consumed in excess.

Pre‑workout supplements often contain multiple stimulants alongside caffeine, increasing the risk of excessive intake, especially when users do not check label information.

Health authorities advise consumers to monitor total daily caffeine, avoid mixing several stimulant‑containing products, and seek medical care for symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness or a racing heartbeat.

In Kenya, cardiovascular disease accounts for 13 % of deaths and a quarter of hospital admissions, with hypertension affecting an estimated 33 % of adults, underscoring the local relevance of these findings.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards limits caffeine in ready‑to‑drink energy beverages to 32 mg per 100 ml under standard KS 1054‑1:2020, providing a regulatory benchmark for product safety.

The U.S. FDA recommends that most healthy adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, though individual tolerance varies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises adolescents to avoid energy drinks entirely, reflecting concerns about heightened vulnerability among younger consumers.