New Study Warns About Risks of Artificially Sweetened Beverages for Heart Health
Atrial Fibrillation Linked to Regular Consumption of Artificially Sweetened Beverages
Drinking two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages has been found to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, according to a recent study. Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as A-fib, is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious complications including strokes. The study discovered that individuals who consumed the equivalent of a medium-sized fast-food diet soda every day had a 20% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to those who consumed no artificially sweetened drinks.
Previous research has shown a correlation between high soft drink consumption and an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. However, this study is the first to establish an association between no- and low-calorie sweeteners along with sugar-sweetened beverages and an elevated risk of atrial fibrillation. The link between sweetened drinks and atrial fibrillation remains even after considering genetic susceptibility to the condition.
Better Beverage Choices for Heart Health
Individuals who consumed a similar quantity of added-sugar beverages had a 10% higher risk of atrial fibrillation, while those who consumed around four ounces of pure, unsweetened juices, such as orange or vegetable juice, had an 8% lower risk. The study suggests that opting for water as a drink of choice is the best decision for reducing the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
These findings highlight the need for further research on the effects of sweetened beverages on heart health. “We still need more research on these beverages to confirm these findings and to fully understand all the health consequences on heart disease and other health conditions,” stated Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor emeritus of nutritional sciences at Pennsylvania State University, who was not involved in the study. Kris-Etherton, who also serves as a member of the American Heart Association nutrition committee, advises limiting or avoiding the consumption of no- and low-calorie sweetened beverages until more research can provide conclusive evidence on their impact.
Atrial Fibrillation: Rising Concerns and Health Outcomes
Atrial fibrillation poses a significant health risk, being the leading cause of stroke in the United States. Strokes associated with atrial fibrillation tend to be more severe than those with other underlying causes, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Moreover, atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots, heart failure, and increase the risk of heart attack and dementia. The Atlanta-based American Heart Association warns of the long-term risks associated with atrial fibrillation, including kidney disease. Hence, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial. Medications, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgeries can be utilized to manage and restore the heart’s regular rhythm
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the United States is on the rise attributed to factors such as an aging population and the obesity epidemic. The CDC estimates that by 2030, approximately 12 million Americans will have atrial fibrillation. The condition disproportionately affects older individuals and is associated with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
Study Details and Recommendations
The study, which was published in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, analyzed data from the UK Biobank research study consisting of nearly 202,000 participants aged 37 to 73. The research suggests that higher consumers of artificially sweetened beverages were generally younger, weighed more, and had a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, individuals consuming more sugar-sweetened beverages were more likely to be male, younger, weighed more, and had a higher prevalence of heart disease, as mentioned in the study findings.
Lead study author, Dr. Ningjian Wang, emphasizes the complexity of dietary habits and recommends reducing or avoiding the consumption of both artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages. Wang adds a cautionary reminder that individuals should not assume low-sugar and low-calorie artificially sweetened drinks are automatically a healthy choice.
