Stimulants Linked to Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults

An analysis of more than 28,000 FDA adverse-event reports from 2017 to 2025 found that reports involving caffeine- and stimulant-containing drinks or supplements listed cardiac arrest about 11 times as often as reports involving products without those ingredients; heart attacks appeared 4.5 times as often, and ventricular arrhythmias or palpitations about four times as often. Elevated heart rate, chest pain and fainting were also more frequently reported, and adults ages 18 to 34 accounted for about 45% of cardiovascular events tied to stimulant products. The products were classified by ingredients—including caffeine, guarana and other stimulants—not by brand. Researchers and clinicians cautioned that the voluntary-report analysis shows an association, not proof that the products caused the events, and may be affected by incomplete reporting and other contributing factors.