Jazmin Garza, 20, suffered multiple cardiac arrests after consuming an energy drink before her gym workout. Her heart stopped four times, causing severe organ damage. Placed on life support, she miraculously recovered after two weeks. Now, she warns others about the risks of energy drinks, urging caution and medical awareness.
A 20-year-old gym enthusiast, Jazmin Garza, was left fighting for her life after consuming a popular energy drink before her workout. The incident, which occurred in late November, has raised serious concerns about the risks of caffeinated beverages, especially for young and active individuals.
Jazmin, who was in Iowa at the time, had just finished a set of weighted deadlifts when she suddenly felt light-headed and dizzy. She had consumed just one-third of a can of Ghost, a well-known energy drink, before sitting down to steady herself. Moments later, she collapsed and started having a seizure.
Her boyfriend, Isaac Ayala, rushed to her side, only to realize she had stopped breathing. He immediately began performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Despite multiple attempts to revive her, Jazmin went into cardiac arrest four times, with her heart-stopping for up to five minutes. The repeated loss of oxygen severely damaged her kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Doctors placed her on life support, including ECMO, dialysis, and a ventilator. They warned her family that she would need a miracle to recover fully. Despite the grim prognosis, Jazmin spent two weeks in the hospital and made a miraculous recovery. However, medical experts could not pinpoint the exact cause of her cardiac arrest. While she had no prior heart conditions, Jazmin believes the energy drink may have triggered an underlying issue.
Repercussions Of Drink
Ghost energy drinks contain 200mg of caffeine—more than double the amount in two cups of coffee—along with other stimulants marketed for performance enhancement. Studies have linked energy drinks to cardiac issues, anxiety, and other health risks, particularly for individuals with undiagnosed heart conditions.
Jazmin now urges others to be cautious with energy drinks and listen to their bodies. “I feel like I’ve been given a second chance. If I was alone, I might not have made it. People should get checked if they feel something is wrong,” she said.
Jazmin and Isaac have since lost their jobs due to the recovery process and have started a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. This incident highlights the dangers of energy drinks and the importance of health awareness, even for young, fit individuals.
