Cardiologist Warns: Energy Drinks Pose Serious Heart Risks

On November 15, 2025, Dr. Kunal Sood, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, revealed the dangers of energy drinks for people with heart conditions. In an Instagram video, Dr. Sood explained how these stimulant-packed beverages can impact the heart.

Many people turn to energy drinks to get a quick boost from their high caffeine content, but that sudden rush can pose serious risks to the heart in certain individuals. Dr. Sood explained that drinks like Celsius, Red Bull, and Monster contain high doses of caffeine along with other stimulants such as taurine and guarana. Together, these compounds can raise heart rate and blood pressure for hours after consumption.

For someone with an underlying or genetic heart condition, this sudden surge in stimulation can trigger dangerous arrhythmias or, in rare cases, even cardiac arrest. Dr. Sood also noted that some studies have linked heavy, frequent energy drink use to hypertension, clotting changes, and vascular stress, though long-term evidence for direct heart disease risk is still limited.

Experts generally recommend keeping caffeine intake under 400 milligrams per day, which is about four small cups of coffee. They also advise avoiding energy drinks entirely if you have any heart rhythm issues or sensitivity to stimulants. Dr. Sood emphasized that these caffeine-packed beverages might help you power through a workout or late nights, but they also burden your heart with more strain than you realize. "Sometimes the best energy comes from hydration, nutrition, and recovery. Not another can," he said.