Death of a 17-Year-Old Puts Energy Drinks Back in the Spotlight

A striking lawsuit involving energy drinks has once again drawn attention to the cardiovascular disease risks that high caffeine intake may pose for young people. The family of a 17-year-old girl living in the US state of Texas has sued two energy drink companies, alleging that their daughter died from heart muscle damage caused by excessive caffeine intake. According to the family’s claim, the girl had been regularly consuming energy drinks in the days before her death.

The lawsuit argues that the companies marketed their products as “part of a healthy and active lifestyle” but did not clearly disclose the serious cardiac and neurological risks that high levels of caffeine and stimulant ingredients may pose. In particular, it emphasizes that the warnings on product packaging were small and inadequate.

The companies, for their part, stated that they take product safety seriously and comply with applicable legal regulations.

Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated its warnings about energy drink consumption by children and adolescents. According to the agency, excessive caffeine intake can lead to serious health problems such as palpitations, hypertension, anxiety disorders and heart rhythm problems.

In conclusion, although energy drinks may be seen among young people as a harmless performance boost, high doses of caffeine can cause serious and even fatal heart problems, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Source: Walter M. "Can energy drinks cause heart disease? New lawsuit says teen died from caffeine-induced cardiomyopathy." Cardiovascular Business. Published: April 17, 2026.