Monster Energy Drink Cardiac Arrest Lawsuit Results in Defense Verdict

A California jury has returned a defense verdict in favor of the makers of Monster Energy drinks, in a lawsuit filed by a man who alleged that he suffered a cardiac arrest and other health problems from the popular beverages.

The trial was one of the cases over side effects of energy drinks to go before a jury, involving allegations that the manufacturers failed to disclose the high amounts of caffeine contained in each can of Monster Energy, and the heart risks users may face.

The complaint was filed by Cody Dean Bledsoe, who indicated that he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2014, following consumption of Monster Energy drinks.

After considering the evidence, a California jury determined on Thursday that Monster was not a significant cause of Bledsoe’s heart injuries. Although the Wall Street Journal reports that the plaintiff plans to appeal the decision, indicating that the judge prevented them from including a number of studies that would have linked Monster energy drinks and similar products to an increased risk of cardiac arrest.

Energy Drink Health Concerns

In recent years, a number of independent studies have linked popular energy drinks, such as Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar and others, to increased risk of heart problems, including abnormal heart rhythms and prolonged elevated blood pressure.

In November, researchers reported that consuming just one energy drink could decrease the vascular function of a person’s heart due to blood vessel dilation decreases. Other  studies have found that energy drinks may cause a person to experience more forceful heart contractions, putting them at risk for heart attack and other cardiac problems.

Researchers have also linked the drinks to problems associated with the nerves and stomach. One study indicated heart problems can occur by drinking only two cans per day, while another study indicated it only took one 16-ounce can before users saw a spike in blood pressure.

Officials in the U.K. are considering banning energy drinks for teens, citing the high caffeine amounts as detrimental to adolescent health.