Energy Drinks and Cardiovascular Risks

Introduction to Risks

• The European Society of Cardiology recommends that energy drinks with high concentrations of caffeine and taurine be strongly discouraged, as they can increase blood pressure and lead to acute or chronic cardiovascular complications, particularly in young adults 1, 2

Population-Specific Risks

• The European Heart Society advises that minors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should be strongly discouraged from drinking energy drinks, and notes that sugar-sweetened beverages, including energy drinks, increase systolic blood pressure and the risk for incident hypertension in this age group 1, 2
• Young adults are at risk for acute and chronic cardiovascular complications from energy drinks, according to the European Heart Society 1, 2

Dietary Recommendations

• The American College of Cardiology suggests that sugar-sweetened beverages, including sports drinks and energy drinks, should be discouraged due to their association with increased cardiovascular disease risk 3
• The European Heart Society recommends restricting free sugar consumption to a maximum of 10% of energy intake, and notes that regular coffee consumption (up to 3 cups/day) is not associated with higher hypertension risk and may actually be associated with lower risk for incident hypertension 1, 2