A new study from researchers in China reveals a concerning association between consuming two liters of diet soda or other artificially sweetened drinks daily and a 20% higher risk of dangerous irregular heartbeats, compared to those who consume none.
The Shanghai-based study highlights a heightened susceptibility to atrial fibrillation among individuals who regularly consume such beverages. Atrial fibrillation, or “A-fib,” is characterized by chaotic quivering of the top chambers of the heart, potentially leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
While some risk factors for A-fib, such as genetics and age, are beyond control, modifiable factors include smoking, hypertension, sleep apnea, obesity, and nutrition. Theodore Maglione, an assistant professor of medicine and cardiologist, stresses the importance of maintaining optimal blood pressure and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Maglione emphasizes that the impact of low-calorie or zero-calorie sodas with artificial sweeteners on health remains uncertain. However, he highlights the role of diet and exercise in decreasing recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation after treatment.
A-fib is associated with potential complications like blood clots, strokes, and other heart-related issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify stroke as a leading cause of serious long-term disability, with atrial fibrillation being the primary cause of stroke in the United States.
Individuals aged 65 and above are at a higher risk for heart conditions, making it crucial for this demographic to prioritize a healthy lifestyle and avoid artificially sweetened drinks. Maglione notes that there is evidence linking atrial fibrillation to early dementia later in life.
The study also explores the impact of added-sugar beverages and unsweetened juices. Added-sugar beverages are found to raise the risk of A-fib by 10%, while consuming approximately four ounces of pure unsweetened juices is associated with an 8% lower risk of the condition.
Penny Kris-Etherton, a nutritional sciences professor, emphasizes that this study is the first to report an association between no- and low-calorie sweeteners, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
Maglione urges individuals to be vigilant about irregular heartbeat symptoms and seek medical care promptly, as early intervention can enhance treatment success and prevent complications like strokes. Stay informed about your heart health and consult healthcare professionals if any irregularities are observed.
