Heart
There is a large number of studies examining a potential relationship between the exposure to caffeine and cardiovascular effects, such as elevated blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias or coronary heart disease. Despite repeated attempts to demonstrate an association between caffeine/coffee and various types of cardiovascular disease, research has led to the conclusion that ingestion of moderate amounts (400 mg caffeine per day) of coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages is not associated with any increase in cardiovascular risk in real life settings.
The existing data does not show that current dietary intakes of caffeine (e.g. up to 4-6 cups of coffee per day) are a cause of cardiovascular disease. Bodies like the American Heart Association, the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology, and the American Society of Hypertension, do not mention caffeine as relevant factor for hypertension in their corresponding guidelines. When consumed in moderation, caffeine has no adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority confirmed that caffeine intakes from all sources up to 400 mg per day do not raise safety concerns in relation to cardiovascular health when consumed by healthy adults from the general population.
Do energy drinks cause heart problems?
Energy drinks typically contain the same amount of caffeine as also present in a cup of home-brewed filter coffee. The caffeine content of energy drinks must be stated on the label so that consumers can make an informed choice. In the case of an uncertainty about the consumption of ingredients contained in energy drinks, or if a consumer has a predisposition to a known heart problem, a medical doctor should be consulted.
Important risk factors for a heart attack are previous cardiovascular diseases, obesity, high blood pressure, lack of physical activity and an unhealthy lifestyle. The moderate intake of caffeine has no adverse impact on the human heart. The ingredients of energy drinks are labelled on the product. They are all approved food ingredients by authorities such as the EFSA and thus are safe to consume.