If you often rely on energy drinks to push through long workdays or looming deadlines, it may be time to reconsider. While these beverages provide a quick surge of alertness, the combination of high caffeine and added stimulants can place significant strain on the heart — particularly in people with underlying cardiovascular issues.
Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine specialist, recently explained why people with heart conditions should avoid energy drinks altogether. In an Instagram video posted on November 15, he broke down the specific ways these drinks can stress the heart and, in extreme cases, even trigger cardiac arrest.
How Energy Drinks Impact the Heart
Energy drinks are marketed as quick-fix boosters, but their stimulant-heavy formulations can affect the cardiovascular system for hours.
Dr Sood explained, “Drinks like Celsius, Red Bull, and Monster contain high doses of caffeine along with other stimulants such as taurine and guarana. Together, these compounds raise heart rate and blood pressure for hours after you drink them. And in some people, they can disrupt normal heart rhythm.”
For individuals with an underlying or genetic heart condition, this sudden spike in stimulation can provoke dangerous arrhythmias or — in rare, severe cases — cardiac arrest.
He added that some studies have linked chronic, heavy energy drink consumption to hypertension, blood clotting changes, and vascular stress, although long-term evidence directly connecting them to heart disease remains limited.
Recommended Daily Caffeine Limit
According to Dr Sood, experts recommend keeping daily caffeine consumption below 400 milligrams — roughly equal to four small cups of coffee.
He emphasised that those with heart rhythm issues, blood pressure problems, or sensitivity to stimulants should avoid energy drinks entirely. The short-term boost is ultimately not worth the cardiovascular strain.
“These caffeine-packed energy drinks might help you power through a workout or late nights, but they also burden your heart with more strain than you realise. Sometimes the best energy comes from hydration, nutrition, and recovery — not another can,” he added.
Note to Readers
This article is intended for information only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.