According to a new study, consuming two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages, equivalent to a medium-sized fast-food diet soda, can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by 20% compared to individuals who do not consume these drinks. Atrial fibrillation, also known as A-fib, is an irregular heartbeat that can have severe consequences, including strokes and heart failure.
The study also found that consuming a similar amount of added-sugar beverages raised the risk of atrial fibrillation by 10%. However, individuals who consumed around 4 ounces of pure, unsweetened juices, such as orange or vegetable juice, had an 8% lower risk of developing A-fib.
Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor emeritus of nutritional sciences, highlighted the significance of these findings as this is the first study to report an association between no- and low-calorie sweeteners, sugar-sweetened beverages, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study’s results remained consistent even following accounting for genetic susceptibility to the condition.
While more research is needed to confirm these findings and fully comprehend the impact of these beverages on heart disease and other health conditions, experts suggest that limiting or avoiding artificial sweeteners and sugar-sweetened beverages is advisable. Instead, water is recommended as the best choice for hydration.
Atrial fibrillation is a growing concern, with it being the leading cause of stroke in the United States. Strokes caused by A-fib tend to be more severe than those caused by other underlying conditions. The condition can also lead to blood clots, heart failure, and an increased risk of heart attacks, dementia, and kidney disease.
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is on the rise worldwide, with nearly 40 million people currently living with the condition. In the United States alone, there are approximately 6 million cases. This increase can be attributed to factors such as an aging population and the epidemic of obesity, as well as other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
The recent study examining the association between sweetened drinks and A-fib analyzed data from nearly 202,000 participants in the UK Biobank database. It revealed that higher consumers of artificially sweetened beverages were more likely to be female, younger, and have a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, those who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages were more likely to be male, younger, and have a higher prevalence of heart disease.
It is important to note that the study cannot definitively conclude which beverage poses a greater health risk due to the complexity of individuals’ diets and the fact that some people consume multiple types of beverages. However, based on the findings, it is recommended that individuals reduce or avoid artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages whenever possible, as they may present potential health risks.
In conclusion, the study highlights the association between the consumption of sweetened beverages and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The findings emphasize the importance of making healthier beverage choices, such as opting for pure, unsweetened juices or simply drinking water. With the prevalence of atrial fibrillation projected to increase in the coming years, adopting healthier lifestyles and reducing the intake of sweetened drinks is crucial in mitigating the risk and ensuring better heart health.
[Image source: Unsplash]