Can caffeine cause heart rhythm disturbances?

Energy drinks, caffeine tablets and highly concentrated caffeine powders are becoming increasingly popular, particularly amongst young people. Whilst small amounts of caffeine are generally safe for healthy young people, excessive consumption can have significant effects on the heart. A review by researchers at the Medical University of Graz shows that high doses of caffeine may be linked to cardiac arrhythmias – some of which are serious – in children and adolescents, and underlines the importance of education and prevention.

The scientific study examines whether caffeine can trigger cardiac arrhythmias in children and adolescents. This research was prompted by the increasing consumption of caffeinated products in this age group, particularly energy drinks, but also caffeine tablets and other products. The review shows that high levels of caffeine may be associated with various changes to the heart. These include palpitations, extra heartbeats, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and, in rare, particularly severe cases, even life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

For the study, the international specialist literature was systematically reviewed. Of a total of 126 identified publications, twelve met the defined inclusion criteria. These described a total of 39 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 who had experienced cardiac arrhythmias or abnormal ECG changes following the consumption of caffeinated products. These incidents were particularly common in connection with very high doses of caffeine, consumed, for example, through several energy drinks within a short period of time or via caffeine tablets or caffeine powder.

“Low amounts of caffeine are well tolerated by most young people,” explains paediatric cardiologist Stefan Kurath-Koller from the Medical University of Graz. However, high doses can pose a serious risk to the heart. Particular caution is advised for young people with existing heart conditions or congenital electrical disorders of the heart, as caffeine can pose additional risks in these cases. At the same time, the findings highlight that even adolescents who have previously been in good cardiac health can develop serious cardiac arrhythmias following excessive caffeine consumption.

The study thus draws attention to a growing health problem. Many children and adolescents underestimate the effects of products with high caffeine content, which underscores the importance of targeted education on the responsible use of caffeine in order to prevent avoidable cardiovascular complications at a young age.