The family of a South Carolina teen who died of a caffeine overdose is trying to get that state to pass a law to ban energy drinks for those under 18.
You might remember the story of Logan Stiner, a LaGrange teen who died after an overdose of powdered caffeine, which the FDA has now banned.
Question: Can caffeine cause deadly heart problems?
We consulted with an expert, Dr. Leslie Cho, section head of preventative cardiology at Cleveland Clinic.
"Caffeine in lower levels is generally considered safe. Currently, guidelines say teenagers should limit caffeine to no more than 100 milligrams a day and adults shouldn't have more than 400 milligrams a day, says Dr. Cho. "However, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to more serious cardiac and neurologic effects such as heart rhythm disturbances, rapid heart rate, narrowing of the heart's arteries, and increases blood pressure."
Recent research indicated energy drinks caused more dangerous changes in heart electrical activity in young people and caused blood pressure to remain elevated for a longer period of time.
Those who have existing cardiovascular disease or irregular heartbeat are at higher risk for complications.
So can caffeine cause deadly heart problems? Yes.
And that's verified.