On busy workdays, many employees face a flood of tasks and tight deadlines. To cope with the heavy workload, it's common for workers to skip meals, such as breakfast or lunch, while at work. However, this habit can have a serious impact on heart health. Delaying meals may result in increased hunger later in the day, causing people to overeat unhealthy, high-calorie foods. Irregular eating patterns can contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure - all of which are risk factors for heart disease. According to research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, individuals who skip breakfast face an 87% higher risk of cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those who have a regular breakfast routine.
Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Senior Medical Director of HCL Healthcare, notes that skipping meals can disrupt blood sugar levels, placing strain on the body's sugar regulation mechanisms and potentially leading to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes and other metabolic issues. To support heart health, it's essential to stick to consistent, well-balanced meals that supply the body with vital nutrients and sustained energy. Consuming frequent, smaller meals can help manage blood sugar levels, preventing the sharp fluctuations that strain the body, particularly the cardiovascular system. Taking a balanced nutritional approach at work, by planning nutritious snacks and meals, can proactively reduce the risk of heart disease. Skipping meals significantly raises the risk of heart disease by affecting metabolism, stress levels, and cardiovascular wellness. Missing meals, especially during long work shifts, can disrupt blood sugar levels, potentially causing insulin resistance - a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.A risk factor for heart disease is the body's response to prolonged fasting, which involves increased cortisol secretion, a stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can raise blood pressure, leading to hypertension and placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Dr. Sarita Gulati, Consultant-Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, states that skipping meals often results in poor dietary choices later in the day. This compensation with calorie-dense, high-fat foods can cause spikes in blood glucose and triglycerides, promoting atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, regular missed meals can lead to weight gain, especially abdominal fat, which is closely linked to heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
Another critical factor is the disruption of the body's circadian rhythm due to irregular eating patterns, which can impair cholesterol metabolism, resulting in high LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and low HDL (good cholesterol) levels, further increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. Workplace stress combined with poor nutrition weakens the body's ability to manage inflammation, which is another contributing factor to heart disease.
For optimal heart health, it is recommended to maintain a regular eating schedule and focus on balanced, nutrient-rich meals. This approach helps stabilize blood sugar levels, supports healthy cholesterol management, and reduces stress, all of which are essential for mitigating the risk of heart disease in the long term.
