A new observational study points to an increased risk of developing AFib among drinkers of artificially sweetened beverages including diet sodas or Crystal Light.shutter
AFib is an irregular heartbeart and is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and it can cause blood clots, stroke or heart failure. This heart condition affects over 6 million Americans. Some of the risk factors associated with AFib are age, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking.
Ten years of data from over 200,000 people who drank at least 2 liters of artificially sweetened beverages every week were included in the recent study. Study results revealed that those who consumed at least 2 liters of artificial beverages a week were at a 20% higher risk of developing AFib. For those who drank sugar-sweetened beverages, a 10% increased risk of AFib was documented.
Researchers were unable to prove that sweetened beverages are a direct cause of AFib but previous studies have associated these drinks with a higher risk of heart problems as well as increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
