On busy workdays with numerous tasks and tight deadlines, many modern employees may choose to skip meals in an attempt to manage their workload. However, this habit, particularly skipping breakfast or lunch, can have a negative impact on heart health. Not eating on schedule can result in increased hunger later in the day, leading to overeating unhealthy, high-calorie foods. This irregular eating pattern can contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicates that individuals who skip breakfast are at an 87% higher risk of cardiovascular-related mortality compared to those who eat breakfast regularly. Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Senior Medical Director at HCL Healthcare, notes that skipping meals can cause fluctuating blood sugar levels, putting stress on the body's sugar regulation system and potentially leading to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Therefore, maintaining a regular and balanced meal schedule is essential for optimal heart health, providing the body with necessary nutrients and sustained energy. Consuming frequent, smaller meals can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the extreme highs and lows that can strain the cardiovascular system. By planning nutritious snacks and meals, employees can take a proactive approach to reducing their risk of heart disease. Skipping meals significantly heightens the risk of heart disease by disrupting metabolic processes, increasing stress, and affecting cardiovascular well-being. Irregular mealtimes, especially during long work shifts, can cause erratic blood sugar fluctuations, potentially leading to insulin resistance over time—a precursor to type 2 diabetes, a significant health concern.Skipping meals can be a risk factor for heart disease. Prolonged fasting can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, a stress hormone, which can raise blood pressure and contribute to hypertension. This additional strain on the cardiovascular system can promote the development of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Sarita Gulati, an expert in Interventional Cardiology, notes that skipping meals often leads to poor dietary choices, such as consuming calorie-dense, high-fat foods that can cause spikes in blood glucose and triglycerides. Regularly skipping meals can also result in weight gain, especially abdominal fat, which is linked to heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Irregular eating patterns can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and impair cholesterol metabolism, increasing LDL levels and decreasing HDL levels, which further raises the risk of coronary artery disease. Workplace stress, coupled with poor nutrition, weakens the body's ability to manage inflammation, another contributing factor to heart disease. To promote optimal heart health, it is recommended to maintain a regular eating schedule, focusing on balanced, nutrient-rich meals to stabilize blood sugar levels, support healthy cholesterol management, and reduce stress. Prioritizing meal timing is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease in the long term.