Researchers from Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital reported a link between sugary beverages or those containing artificial sweeteners and a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The findings appeared in Circulation magazine, adding to a growing body of evidence about how diet influences heart rhythm disorders.
The study analyzed health data and eating habits from about 200,000 adults who contributed information to the British Biobank, a large repository of biological data. At the outset the participants did not have any diagnosed heart rhythm disorders. Over the course of the investigation, researchers tracked the volunteers for ten years to observe long term effects on heart rhythm and overall cardiovascular health.
During that decade, 9,362 cases of atrial fibrillation were documented. Atrial fibrillation involves irregular heartbeats that can compromise the heart’s pumping efficiency and elevate the risk of stroke and other complications. In the study population, researchers quantified risk by beverage type and consumption level, comparing different patterns of intake.
They found that the risk of atrial fibrillation rose by about 20 percent among individuals who drank two liters or more of artificially sweetened beverages per week. In contrast, those who preferred sugar-sweetened drinks and consumed similar amounts showed a roughly 10 percent higher likelihood of developing the condition. Participants who drank at least one liter of fruit juice per week had an estimated 8 percent higher risk. These figures reflect associations observed over the ten year follow up and do not prove causation, but they highlight a notable correlation between beverage choices and heart rhythm outcomes.
According to the study authors, the precise mechanisms behind these associations are not yet known. The increased risk of atrial fibrillation is likely connected to how the body responds to sugar and various sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame. The researchers emphasize that further work is needed to understand why these substances might influence atrial rhythm and what this means for dietary guidelines.
Historically, discussions about beverages and heart health have included concerns about sugar intake and metabolic effects. This study adds a new dimension by examining artificial sweeteners alongside natural sugar and fruit juice, underscoring that the relationship between drink choices and heart rhythm is complex and worthy of deeper investigation for better public health guidance.