Back in the late 00’s I discovered Redbull really helped me overcome after-lunch food-coma. I’d drink one right after lunch to help me get back to work and focus for the rest of the day.

After about 6 months of this, one day I was sitting at my desk having just finished my afternoon Redbull, and felt my heart skip a beat, literally. Like a little mini-heart attack. Scared the shit out of me, and I quit Redbull cold turkey that day.

At the time I was really into cycling, riding about 100 miles per week (50 on the weekend plus daily bike commute). I was in tip-top shape, with no family history of heart problems, and an otherwise normal, low-sugar, whole food diet.

Never experienced that since, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are studies that find a link between super-high caffeine energy drinks and heart or other health problems.

Ah, this is called an ectopic heart-beat (usually harmless). Back when I drank too much coffee and didn't sleep in my last year of college, I got a few of these. Now I'm a one-cup-a-day kind of guy, and it hasn't happened much anymore.

Most energy drinks include other energy additives, which I think is where the dangers come from.

I can no longer drink red bull because it gives me really bad heart palpitations. Meanwhile, I can pretty much drink coffee all day without issue.

Caffeine, at least in large doses, is somewhat stressful on the heart by itself. It increases respiration and blood pressure and heart rate. A strong cup of coffee can give me minor palpitations.

I was diagnosed with high BP very early in my life (23-24 yo). The doctor said it is okay to have everything in moderation but asked me to not touch energy drinks.