Effects of chronically skipping meals on atrial fibrillation risk.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. While there are many potential causes of atrial fibrillation that have been well studied, this work considers the potential effect of chronically skipping meals on the development of atrial fibrillation. The authors discuss the various processes that skipping meals initiates in the body that may ultimately result in atrial fibrillation. Through a better understanding of the various disease pathophysiologies that can contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation, this narrative review may help lead to more advanced therapeutic and preventive approaches.

Arrhythmias are conditions of the heart that cause it to beat abnormally. When the heart beats abnormally, this can result in disturbances in the functioning of the body in many ways. Symptoms can range from very minimal to severe and even death. Although there are various types of abnormal heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation is the most common form, and it originates in the upper chambers of the heart. Chronically skipping meals may increase the risk that one may develop atrial fibrillation through various processes. In this narrative review, the authors discuss these various processes in the hopes that this may help lead to more advanced therapeutic and preventive approaches.

Energy drink consumption: a rising public health issue.

Energy drink (ED) consumption has become a growing public health issue over the past few decades. Despite claims of being safe and beneficial, EDs have been linked to particularly fatal outcomes associated with the cardiovascular system which include atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, cardiomyopathies, and sudden cardiac death. Large quantities of caffeine, taurine, sugars, and B-vitamins may be contributing to these outcomes by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and contractility of the heart in addition to prolonging the QTc. There is still a substantial amount of unknown information on EDs that warrants more research and a dire need for age regulations, transparency of ingredients, clear labeling of adverse effects, and most importantly, education of consumers.