Liputan6.com, Jakarta - A medical case report published in early December 9, 2025 has raised serious concerns about the dangers of excessive energy drink consumption on cardiovascular health.
The study highlights a direct link between excessive energy drink consumption and stroke risk, even in individuals previously considered healthy, as reported by The Guardian.
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The findings come from doctors at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, who reported the case of a man in his 50s.
The man suffered a stroke after routinely consuming eight cans of energy drinks daily, far exceeding the recommended safe caffeine intake.
“It was therefore thought to be likely that the patient’s consumption of highly potent energy drinks was, at least in part, a contributive factor to his secondary hypertension (high blood pressure) and in turn his stroke,” the doctors wrote in BMJ Case Reports.
Report of Stroke Due to Energy Drink Consumption
A case report published in the journal BMJ Case Reports in December 2025 describes the experience of a middle-aged man with no prior history of serious illness.
He was rushed to the hospital with severe stroke symptoms, including weakness on the left side of his body, numbness, and difficulty speaking and swallowing.
Upon examination, the man's blood pressure was recorded as extremely high, reaching 254/150 mmHg, well above the dangerously high normal threshold.
A brain scan revealed a stroke in the thalamus, a key area involved in sensory perception and movement control.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the patient had a habit of consuming an average of eight cans of energy drinks daily.
This meant he was consuming approximately 1,200-1,300 mg of caffeine per day, exceeding the recommended daily intake of 400 mg of caffeine for adults.
Although his blood pressure was successfully reduced with medication, the medical team advised the patient to immediately stop drinking energy drinks.
Speaking anonymously, he said: “I obviously wasn’t aware of the dangers drinking energy drinks were causing to myself. [I] have been left with numbness [in my] left-hand side hand and fingers, foot and toes even after eight years.”
The Dangers of Energy Drinks on Cardiovascular Health
Energy drinks contain a combination of powerful stimulants such as caffeine, taurine, guarana, and high sugar levels that can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, according to National Library of Medicine.
One of the most common effects is a drastic increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
High amounts of caffeine, especially when combined with other stimulants, can cause systolic blood pressure to spike by up to 10 points in individuals who are not used to it.
This repeated increase in blood pressure and heart rate puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious heart disease.
Furthermore, energy drinks can also potentially trigger arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disturbances.
Prolongation of the QTc interval, an indicator of the risk of dangerous arrhythmias, is also frequently seen in individuals who consume these drinks.
The risk of stroke increases through several mechanisms, including extreme hypertension caused by energy drinks and the potential for blood clot formation.
The very high sugar content can also damage blood vessels and trigger inflammation, factors that contribute to blood clots.
In fact, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), which can lead to stroke or brain hemorrhage, can also be triggered by energy drinks.
Dangerous Components and Health Recommendations
In addition to caffeine, other ingredients in energy drinks, such as taurine and guarana (which are hidden sources of caffeine), can potentiate the stimulant effect.
Ginseng and glucuronolactone also contribute to increased cardiovascular risk.
The very high sugar content in many energy drinks is also problematic, as it can lead to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic stress, all of which are major risk factors for heart disease.
Health experts recommend a safe limit of caffeine consumption for adults of around 400 mg per day.
Individuals with a history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, or seizure disorders are strongly advised to avoid energy drinks due to the higher risk of side effects.
Given the potential dangers, doctors and health experts are calling for increased public awareness and stricter regulation of the sale and marketing of energy drinks.
For those seeking for healthier alternatives, there are several ways to keep stamina such as enough rest, staying hydrated by drinking water, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet.
Sources:
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/09/energy-drinks-heart-disease-stroke-risk-doctors
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4682602/