FACULTY:
Elaine Maldonado, MD, is a pediatric cardiologist at University Health and an associate professor of pediatrics and director of Pediatric and Fetal Echocardiography Services at UT Health San Antonio. She is also the director of student and resident education for the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and co-director of medical student education in Cardiology for the Long School of Medicine.
OVERVIEW:
A recent case involving a teenage cheerleader’s death has prompted a closer look at energy drinks and cardiovascular risks in young people. Host Holly Wayment and pediatric cardiologist Dr. Elaine Maldonado discuss how high-caffeine and stimulant drinks—often marketed to teens and available in school vending machines or coffee bars—can trigger palpitations, chest pain, high blood pressure, and dangerous heart rhythms.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no role for caffeine in children. Parents and pediatricians should watch for red flags (persistent rapid heartbeat, unexplained chest pain, fainting during exertion), counsel on sleep, hydration, and exercise, and offer safer alternatives to energy drinks.
OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers
DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Elaine Maldonado, MD has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The University of Texas at San Antonio and Steven Seidner, MD course director and content reviewer for the activity, have reviewed all financial disclosure information for all speakers, facilitators, and planning committee members; and determined and resolved all conflicts of interests.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION STATEMENTS:
The University of Texas at San Antonio is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Texas at San Antonio designates this live activity up to a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:
Healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance and are asked to consult with their licensing board for information on applicability and acceptance.
Credit may be obtained upon successful completion of the activity’s evaluation.
RELEASE DATE:
7/30/2026
EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028