SHANGHAI, CHINA – A recent study published in the American Heart Association’s journal “Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology” has raised concerns for fans of artificially-sweetened soft drinks. Researchers at the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital have discovered a potential link between the regular consumption of diet soda and irregular heartbeats.
The study, conducted over a period of nearly 10 years with a database cohort of over 200,000 patients, found that those who consumed more than 2 liters of diet soda with nonsugar sweeteners per week were significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (a-fib) compared to those who opted for fruit juice or regular soda.
Interestingly, individuals who drank more than 2 liters of conventionally sweetened cola per week also saw a 10 percent increase in a-fib symptoms. On the contrary, those who only consumed pure, unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice appeared to have an 8 percent lower risk of developing irregular heartbeats than soda drinkers.
While previous research has explored negative health effects associated with diet sodas, this study appears to be the first to investigate its connection to a-fib. Nutritionist Penny Kris-Etherton emphasized the need for more research to confirm these findings and understand the full extent of the impact on heart disease and other health conditions. Water is recommended as the best choice, with no- and low-calorie sweetened beverages advised to be limited or avoided.
Although excessive alcohol consumption remains a more significant risk factor for heart health, the study underscores the importance of taking the potential risks of diet sodas seriously. Pure fruit juices may serve as a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their risk of irregular heartbeats.