A recent study found that consuming two liters or more of artificially sweetened beverages per week increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) by 20%, while the intake of added-sugar beverages raises the risk by 10%.
Conversely, drinking approximately four ounces of unsweetened juices is associated with an 8% lower risk of A-fib. This risk association persists even after considering genetic susceptibility to the condition.
Penny Kris-Etherton, an American Heart Association nutrition committee member, emphasizes the need for further research on the health consequences of sweetened beverages, advocating for water as the best choice in the meantime.
Atrial fibrillation affects approximately 40 million people globally, with 6 million in the United States alone. Symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, but the condition can also be symptomless.
However, early detection allows for effective treatment through medications, lifestyle changes, and surgeries. A-fib is the leading cause of stroke in the United States, with strokes associated with A-fib often being more severe. Therefore, awareness of A-fib symptoms and timely medical intervention are crucial in mitigating its potentially fatal consequences.
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