Energy Drinks Linked to Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Patients with Genetic Heart Diseases: Study

• Among the 144 SCA survivors, 7 patients (5%) experienced SCA in proximity to energy drink consumption. The mean age at the time of SCA was 29 ± 8 years, and 6 of these patients were female.

• 2 patients had long QT syndrome, 2 had catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and 3 were diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.

• 3 patients (43%) were regular consumers of energy drinks.

• 6 patients (86%) required a rescue shock, while 1 patient (14%) was resuscitated manually.

• All SCA survivors ceased energy drink consumption and have remained event-free since.

The study's findings underscore the potential risks of energy drink consumption in individuals with genetic heart diseases. Although the cohort was small, the temporal association between energy drink intake and SCA in these patients is concerning. The regular consumption patterns observed in nearly half of the cases further highlight the need for caution.

Overall, 5% of SCA survivors experienced an event in proximity to consuming an energy drink. Given these findings, it seems prudent to issue an early warning regarding the potential risks of energy drinks, especially for individuals with genetic heart diseases. Larger cohort studies are necessary to better understand the incidence and prevalence of this risk and to quantify its precise impact.

Reference:

Martinez, K. A., Bains, S., Neves, R., Giudicessi, J. R., Bos, J. M., & Ackerman, M. J. (2024). Sudden cardiac arrest occurring in temporal proximity to consumption of energy drinks. Heart Rhythm: The Official Journal of the Heart Rhythm Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.02.018