Introduction
Researchers have recently found one more risk factor for heart disease, and that risk factor is a beverage that is most commonly used by billions of people. It is neither alcohol nor soda; it is an artificially sweetened drink. Nowadays, everyone is aware of the fact that alcohol can put them at risk of developing heart disease in the future. However, according to recent research, even non-alcoholic individuals can develop heart disease if they consume too many artificially sweetened drinks in their diet. It has been found that taking more sweetened drinks can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, which means that the heart rhythm becomes abnormal. This article will explore this recent update and delve into the results of the studies that have concluded this new risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Continue reading to explore more.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Before delving into the association between sweetened drinks and atrial fibrillation risk, one must know exactly what atrial fibrillation is. In simple terms, atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the heart's rhythm. Heart rate and heart rhythm are not the same thing. Heart rate refers to the contractions and relaxations of the heart muscle, which cause blood to flow throughout the body. This means how fast the heart is beating. On the other hand, heart rhythm is the speed or pace at which the heart is beating. Heart rhythm refers to the regular pattern in which the heart beats, which is under the control of electrical impulses produced in the heart's sinoatrial (SA) node.
Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregular and often faster heartbeats than normal. The upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers, known as the ventricles. This irregular rhythm can lead to various symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, and a sensation of fluttering, pounding, or rapid heartbeat.
One of the concerning aspects of atrial fibrillation is its potential to cause blood clots in the heart, leading to an increased risk of stroke and other complications. Blood pooling in the heart due to ineffective pumping can contribute to clot formation.
Atrial fibrillation can occur without any noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. However, it can also lead to serious and life-threatening complications if left untreated, such as stroke or heart failure.
What Is the Association Between Sweetened Drinks and Atrial Fibrillation?
The association between sweetened drinks and atrial fibrillation (AFib) has garnered attention following several studies and analyses.
Researchers have found that consuming more than two liters (0.53 gallons) per week of either sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of AFib. This risk is higher for artificially sweetened drinks, surpassing the risk associated with an equal amount of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
The link between sweetened drinks and AFib was highlighted in a study published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. Data from the U.K. Biobank revealed that frequent consumption of sweetened drinks, whether naturally sweet or artificially sweetened, is associated with a heightened risk of irregular heart rhythm. This risk elevation is noteworthy, especially considering that AFib itself can lead to serious complications such as stroke.
Furthermore, the consumption of pure fruit juice in moderation, such as 100 % orange or vegetable juice, was linked to a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation.
Experts caution against assuming that low-calorie artificially sweetened beverages are automatically healthy, as they may also carry potential health risks. Chemicals found in diet drinks, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame, have been associated with an increased risk of "lone" atrial fibrillation, which occurs in the absence of other cardiovascular conditions.
Additionally, the study indicates that consuming more than 67 ounces of sugary or artificially sweetened beverages per week may elevate the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, while organic fruit juices without added sugar may potentially decrease this risk.
What Are the Alternatives to Artificial Beverages to Reduce the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation?
There are several alternatives that people can consider to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation caused by sweetened beverages.
One option is to avoid drinks with added sugar, such as white sugar, sucrose, and fructose syrup, commonly found in non-diet soda and fruit juice blends. However, it is important to consume these beverages in moderation, as excessive intake can contribute to health issues.
Another alternative is freshly squeezed fruit juices with no added sugar. Limited intake of natural fruit juice can be beneficial, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming less than one liter (0.26 liquid gallons) of these juices per week has been associated with an eight percent decreased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, researchers found no protective effect for consuming more than one liter per week of natural fruit juices.
Additionally, unsweetened juices like orange or vegetable juice can be considered as a healthier alternative. These juices are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are linked to lower blood pressure, less oxidative stress, and less inflammation. Vitamin C has even been shown to prevent post-operative atrial fibrillation. However, it is essential to note that even natural fruit juice can be high in sugar, and experts often recommend consuming whole fruit instead, as it contains more fiber to slow the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream.
Conclusion
To conclude, reducing the consumption of sweetened beverages, both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened, may be beneficial for heart health. Choosing healthier alternatives, such as water or moderate fruit juice intake, can contribute to overall better health and potentially reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. Moreover, the other risk factors of atrial fibrillation, like obesity, diabetes, advancing age, etc, should also not be ignored to prevent the risk of getting heart disease.
