Energy drinks and dietary supplements containing caffeine and stimulants have been associated with reports of serious cardiovascular events at a higher rate than products without these ingredients, according to a Nov. 2 statement by the American Heart Association (AHA).
The AHA report is based on preliminary research that found adverse events related to cardiac arrests were reported 11 times more often for products containing caffeine and stimulants compared to items without these ingredients. Heart attacks were reported 4.5 times more often.
Beside these issues, there were higher reports of chest pain, fainting, and elevated heart rate among consumers of such products.
Study author Sai Samayamanthula said that energy drinks and dietary supplements are marketed as everyday items, and as such, regular consumers assume no real health risks are associated with their consumption….