Nearly half of reports linking caffeine and stimulants to cardiac concerns involve adults 18 to 34

Younger adults accounted for nearly half of the reports linking caffeine- and stimulant-containing products to cardiac concerns.

The products are drawing renewed attention as more research points to their potential effects.

Here's what to know

New data presented at the annual American Heart Association meeting showed that cardiac arrest was reported 11 times more often as related to the use of caffeine- or stimulant-containing products compared to other products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

Researchers also noted that reports related to these products were around "4.5 times as likely to mention a heart attack and about four times as likely to mention abnormal heartbeats or palpitations," according to NBC's coverage of the findings.

Related beverages such as coffee and energy drinks have a regular place in many household routines, including those of younger people.

Individuals aged 18-34 made up nearly 50% of the reports, despite the age group typically showing lower cardiac risks.

Meanwhile, John Higgins, a cardiologist who was not involved in the research, told NBC, "We should not put coffee and energy drinks in the same safety category just because both contain caffeine." 

Higgins said growing evidence indicates that these beverages pose different cardiovascular impacts.

What can be done?

The FDA has suggested that most adults can have up to about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. That's roughly the equivalent of four or five cups of coffee and between 2 and 4 energy drinks.

Study senior author Pamela Benavidez, meanwhile, told NBC that preworkout supplements "commonly pack 150-300 mg or more per serving."

An individual will want to monitor their daily caffeine intake across all of these products, particularly if they typically consume more than one type. An irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure may signal excessive caffeine intake and should be discussed with a health care provider. 

Where can I learn more?

These stories cover other cases of health issues being linked to consumer products:

• Utah linked four deaths to cat's claw products sold as kratom-free, then found Schedule I compounds.

• California ordered chain restaurants to flag high-sugar drinks with warnings using a new icon.

• Three wellness injectables were recalled nationwide over endotoxin risks linked to shock and death.

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