Energy Drinks and SADS Conditions
Updated 8/2023
SADS Statement on Energy Drinks and SADS Conditions
The following is an updated version (8/2023) of SADS Foundation previous statement of 2017 (see the article below).
The SADS Foundation’s Scientific Advisors, leading national and international experts in the field of cardiac channelopathies and cardiomyopathies that can cause sudden cardiac death in young people, have discussed whether energy drinks are safe for consumption by people with a SADS condition. Their expert consensus is that:
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to many symptoms, including arrhythmia, and should be discouraged for all patients.
“Moderate” caffeine intake, even of “energy drinks” appears safe.
No scientific evidence exists linking so-called “energy drinks” or other caffeinated beverages with Sudden Cardiac Death, but there have been cases of cardiac events that were suspicious (most often with large exposure doses or short ingestion time)
Highly caffeinated energy drinks (HCEDs) can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in individuals both with and without an underlying heart condition. Coffee, tea, and soda are safe to drink in moderation. A regular cup of tea or can of soda contains about 30 mg of caffeine, while a cup of regular coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine. In contrast, an energy drink can contain more than 200 mg of caffeine.
“We tell people not to worry, it’s fine to have a Coke or a small coffee each day,” said Dr. Charles Berul, an electrophysiologist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, who is on the board of trustees for the SADS Foundation. “But some of the smaller studies have shown that energy drinks, drinks that have caffeine plus other ingredients like taurine, other things, might be a little riskier.” Read the full article here.
All of our experts agree that there is a lack of scientific data on this topic and feel it is worth further scientific study.
Abstract 12083: Highly Caffeinated Energy Drinks and Genetic Heart Disease-Associated Sudden Cardiac Arrest - AHA, Ackerman, et al 2022
Conclusion: Overall, 8/144 (5.6%) of SCA survivors evaluated in our program experienced a SCA in proximity to consuming a HCED. Although larger cohort studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanism for HCED-triggered/associated SCA and quantify its precise pro-arrhythmic risk, it seems prudent to sound an early warning
Impact of High Volume Energy Drink Consumption on Electrocardiographic and Blood Pressure Parameters: A Randomized Trial JAHA, Shah, et al May 2019
Conclusion: Energy drinks significantly prolong the QTc interval and raise blood pressure. (34 healthy vol)
Red Bull®: Red flag or red herring? Schwartz PJ, Dagradi F: Int J Cardiol 2017;231:179-180,
This editorial from a leading Long QT expert expresses his concern, based on his many years of experience, that energy drinks may be harmful in LQTS patients. He also acknowledged the fact that additional research needs to be done on this.
Cardiovascular Effects of Energy Drinks in Familial Long QT Syndrome: A Randomized Cross-Over Study- Int J Card, Gray, et al 2017
From 2014-2016, 24 LQTS patients aged 16-50 years were recruited to a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study of energy drink (ED) versus control (CD) with participants acting as their own controls (one week washout).
Conclusion: Caffeinated energy drinks have significant haemodynamic effects in patients with LQTS, specifically an acute increase in blood pressure. Since dangerous QTc prolongation was seen in some LQTS patients, we recommend caution in young patients with LQTS consuming energy drinks
Randomized Controlled Trial of High-Volume Energy Drink Versus Caffeine Consumption on ECG and Hemodynamic Parameters; JAHA April 2017 Fletcher & Shah (pharmacology), (18 healthy vol)
Conclusions: The corrected QT interval and systolic BP were significantly higher post high-volume energy drink consumption when compared with caffeine alone. Larger clinical trials validating these findings and evaluation of non caffeine ingredients within energy drinks are warranted.
Consumption of energy drinks: a new provocation test for primary arrhythmogenic diseases? Gray B, Das KJ, Semsarian C. Int J Cardiol. 2012;159(1):77-78
Energy drinks are primarily targeted at the vulnerable youth and young adult market with aggressive advertising and marketing. Cardiologists, as well as other health specialists, are becoming increasingly aware of the potential dangers of high-energy drinks.