Often Consume Energy Drinks? Beware of Heart Rhythm Disorders

JAKARTA - Nowadays, more and more people are consuming energy drinks. Research shows that about 30 percent to 50 percent of adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks regularly.

This habit is worrying because it can interfere with heart health, especially in children. This can happen because energy drinks contain many stimulants, especially caffeine and taurine.

Stimulants can affect the heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood flow, especially if they are often consumed in large quantities. This drink also causes sleep problems and behavioral problems.

"Unlike regular coffee, energy drinks often use special mixtures that hide how strong the ingredients are," said nutritionist Gauri Anand, quoted from Healthshots, Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The study identified 20 cases of arrhythmia or heart rhythm disorders in people who consumed energy drinks. This includes supraventricular tachycardia and life-threatening ventricular tachycardia.

Energy drinks also cause a spike in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In some cases, this increase occurs within an hour of consuming one can of an energy drink.

If consumed by children with undiagnosed heart problems, ADHD, or those who take certain medications, they have a risk of serious health problems and sudden death.

Then if you use energy drinks as 'pre-workout' before intense exercise, it can cause an increase in heart rate, and dangerous blood pressure during exercise.

With the harmful effects on health, especially on the heart, it is best to limit the consumption of energy drinks. For children or adolescents under the age of 18, these drinks should not be given, especially if they contain caffeine, guarana, or high levels of taurine.