On busy workdays, many employees try to cope with the high workload by skipping meals, which can negatively impact heart health. Skipping breakfast or lunch can increase hunger later in the day, leading to overeating unhealthy foods. Irregular eating patterns can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Research shows that skipping breakfast raises the risk of cardiovascular-related deaths by 87%. Maintaining a balanced diet with regular meals is essential for heart health, as it provides necessary nutrients and stable energy levels. Planning healthy snacks and meals at work can help prevent these risks and support overall well-being. By avoiding skipping meals and opting for frequent, balanced eating habits, individuals can better manage blood sugar levels and reduce stress on the body, ultimately lowering the risk of heart disease.Skipping meals can be a risk factor for heart disease. Prolonged fasting triggers the body to release cortisol, a stress hormone that can increase blood pressure and contribute to hypertension, putting extra strain on the heart. Dr. Sarita Gulati, Consultant- Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka in New Delhi, warns that skipping meals often leads to poor dietary choices later in the day, such as consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods that can cause spikes in blood sugar and triglyceride levels. These sudden increases can promote the development of atherosclerosis, where plaque accumulates in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, regularly missing meals can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdomen, which is closely linked to heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Disrupting the body's circadian rhythm due to irregular eating patterns can also affect cholesterol metabolism, resulting in higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol), further raising the risk of coronary artery disease. Workplace stress combined with poor nutrition can weaken the body's ability to manage inflammation, another factor contributing to heart disease. To promote heart health, it is recommended to stick to a regular eating schedule, focusing on balanced, nutrient-rich meals. This not only helps stabilize blood sugar levels but also supports healthy cholesterol management and reduces stress, which are all crucial for reducing the long-term risk of heart disease.