Sweet-heart risks

Six million people in the U.S. have A-fib (atrial fibrillation) that causes the heart to beat irregularly -- to beat fast sometimes, slow other times, or to skip beats altogether. Think that could have anything to do with the fact that 50% of folks in the U.S. drink sweetened beverages on any given day and another 13% drink artificially sweetened potions? Researchers looking at 10 years of data on 200,000 adults think so.

They found that people who down around five 12-ounce cans of artificially sweetened beverages daily increase their risk of A-fib by 20%. The risk is 10% higher in those who drink that amount of sugary beverages.

Other causes of A-fib include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, a previous heart attack and a cluster of heart conditions. Upgrading nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and healthy sleep habits can help prevent A-fib. And if you’re diagnosed, there are effective treatments, including lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking and adopting a heart-healthy diet. Medications that can help control your heartbeat or protect you from complications include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, blood thinners and meds to control the heart rhythm. Effective surgical procedures include ablation and/or a pacemaker. And the data are clear -- the sooner you achieve rhythm control the better your long-term outcome. The current best treatment is thought to be ablation of the atrial appendage.

For more info on a healthy heart, sign up for the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com. And check out “16 Natural Ways to Support Heart Health,” on iherb.com’s blog.