Energy Drinks May Raise Stroke Risk, Report Says
By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Editorially reviewed by the DLHA team.
December 30, 2025.
Photo of a young African man consuming an energy drink from a can. Image Credit: ChatGPT
Many people consume energy drinks regularly. From students trying to stay awake to workers pulling through long days and drivers covering long distances, these drinks are often seen as a quick solution for tiredness. In many African countries, energy drinks are widely available and aggressively marketed as products that boost strength and alertness.
A recent medical case study published in a reputable journal sheds light on a worrying link between excessive energy drink consumption, high blood pressure and stroke. While this is not a large population study, it raises important questions that deserve attention, especially in regions where awareness of cardiovascular risk factors is still growing.
The case report is about a man in his 50s who was normally fit and well until he was admitted to a hospital in the United Kingdom after suddenly developing left sided weakness, reduced sensations and poor balance. Brain imaging confirmed that he had suffered an ischaemic stroke, which occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked.
When doctors checked his vital signs on admission, his blood pressure was extremely high - 254mm/150mm Hg - far above normal levels (120 mm/80mm Hg). He was treated with blood pressure medications, and after three days, his very high blood pressure reduced, but not to normal levels.
Following his discharge from hospital, he returned again with persistently high blood pressure that became unresponsive to multiple blood pressure reducing medications. Several tests were performed to look for common causes of severe hypertension such as kidney disease or hormonal problems but these tests did not reveal a clear explanation.
It was only after taking a more detailed lifestyle history that an important detail emerged. The patient reported drinking around eight cans of energy drinks every day and each can contained a high dose of caffeine (160 mg). When he stopped consuming energy drinks completely, his blood pressure gradually returned to normal and his medications were reduced and later stopped.
The key observation from this case is the clear association between excessive energy drink intake and severe high blood pressure that was difficult to control with medication. Once consumption of the energy drinks was stopped, the blood pressure improved significantly. This suggests that the large amount of caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks may have played a major role in pushing the patient’s blood pressure to dangerous levels. Over time, this may have increased his risk of having a stroke.
Caffeine is known to stimulate the nervous system and in high doses, it strains the heart thereby making it work harder. Many energy drinks also contain other stimulants such as guarana which adds even more caffeine. When consumed repeatedly throughout the day, these effects can build up.
While this case report does not prove that energy drinks directly caused the stroke, it suggests that in the patient, heavy consumption was closely linked to his temporary and uncontrolled severe hypertension, which is a major risk factor for stroke.
It is important to be clear about what this case report can and cannot tell us.
However, case reports are often used as early warning signals in medicine as they may highlight previously unknown patterns of diseases, or adverse effects of therapy, etc. In so doing, case reports can serve to encourage further research.
High blood pressure is already a major public health challenge across the continent and many people unknowingly live with hypertension while access to regular screening and treatment is still limited in some communities.
Energy drinks are heavily consumed by young adults, commercial drivers and manual workers. In some settings, they are taken daily and sometimes combined with alcohol or other stimulants which can silently increase blood pressure.
The case report should serve as a reminder to healthcare providers and the general public reminds that lifestyle factors matter in health. Something that seems harmless because it is sold openly and advertised widely can still pose health risks when used excessively.
For people who already have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of stroke, frequent energy drink intake may add to their risk.
It also highlights the importance of asking the right questions in healthcare. Many people do not consider energy drinks as part of their diet or medication history, yet they can have powerful effects on the body.
This case report shows that excessive consumption of energy drinks may be linked to dangerously high blood pressure and could contribute to serious conditions such as stroke.
While more research is needed to understand the full scale of the problem, the warning signs are important.
For Africans, where the burden of hypertension and stroke is already high, being mindful of energy drink intake is a simple but meaningful step towards better health.
Energy drinks are powerful stimulants that should be used with caution.
Take action and protect your heart and brain health by paying careful attention to what you drink, and not just what you eat only.
Source: Coyle M, Munshi S. Energy drinks, hypertension and stroke. BMJ Case Reports CP 2025;18:e267441. Available from here
Related: Health Risks of Energy Drinks Consumption: An Overview for Africans
Published: December 30, 2025
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