Energy Drinks and the Teen Heart: When “Anxiety” May Be Something More

Link for CME credit coming soon! This episode examines a recent tragic case involving a teenage cheerleader and how it raises questions about energy drinks and cardiovascular health in young people. Host Holly Wayment and pediatric cardiologist Dr. Elaine Maldonado reviews what is known and unknown about high-caffeine beverages, common symptoms they can cause (palpitations, chest pain, racing heart), and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance that children generally should avoid caffeine. The conversation also highlights that some local high schools sell energy drinks in vending machines and even offer coffee bars on campus, making these products widely accessible to adolescents. Practical takeaways include lifestyle alternatives, red flags warranting urgent care (persistent fast heart rate, chest pain, passing out with exertion), and advice for pediatricians and families on counseling teens about caffeine use.