San Antonio Cardiologist Warns Teens About Caffeine Dangers

CHRISTUS Health doctor sees rise in heart issues linked to energy drink consumption among high school students.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:48am

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A cardiologist at CHRISTUS Health in San Antonio is sounding the alarm about the growing trend of teenagers consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, often through energy drinks, and the resulting health issues he's seeing such as heart palpitations, anxiety, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The doctor is urging parents to have early conversations with their children about the risks of caffeine and to help them understand healthy ways to boost energy.

Why it matters

Caffeine use among teenagers is a rising public health concern as young people increasingly turn to energy drinks and other highly caffeinated products to help them manage the demands of school, sports, and social pressures. This trend can have serious consequences for teens' cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.

The details

According to Dr. Ravi Ashwath, a cardiologist at CHRISTUS Health, more and more teenagers are coming to him with heart-related issues that he attributes to excessive caffeine consumption, particularly from energy drinks. These issues include heart palpitations, anxiety, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Ashwath says teens are often drawn to caffeine as they juggle the demands of academics, athletics, and social lives, and energy drinks are heavily marketed to promise a quick boost. However, the doctor warns that 'energy should not come from the can' and that teens should limit their caffeine intake to less than 100 milligrams per day, which is the commonly cited safe limit.

  • Ashwath says he has been seeing a rise in caffeine-related health issues among teenagers in recent years.

The players

Dr. Ravi Ashwath

A cardiologist at CHRISTUS Health in San Antonio who has been treating an increasing number of teenagers with heart-related issues linked to excessive caffeine consumption.

CHRISTUS Health

A nonprofit Catholic health system that operates hospitals and clinics in Texas and other states.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, we are seeing more palpitations in teenagers. And when we really dig deep in and understand what can be leading to it, energy drinks are one of the culprits.”

— Dr. Ravi Ashwath, Cardiologist

“Energy should not come from the can. It should come from health.”

— Dr. Ravi Ashwath, Cardiologist

“Parents have to start the discussion early in life about the use of caffeine. I don't think one would say that no caffeine is the rule. So we have to say what is the ideal amount of caffeine?”

— Dr. Ravi Ashwath, Cardiologist

What’s next

Ashwath recommends that parents have open conversations with their teenagers about the risks of excessive caffeine consumption and work with them to establish healthy limits and alternatives for boosting energy.

The takeaway

This trend of rising caffeine use among teenagers is a concerning public health issue that requires proactive intervention from parents, schools, and healthcare providers to educate young people about the dangers and promote healthier ways for them to manage the demands of their busy lives.