During busy workdays, many employees face a flurry of tasks and tight deadlines, often resulting in the habit of skipping meals such as breakfast or lunch. However, this practice can have a considerable impact on heart health. Delaying meals may result in increased hunger later in the day, leading to overeating 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. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that individuals who skip breakfast are at a 87% higher risk of cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those who have breakfast regularly. Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Senior Medical Director at HCL Healthcare, explains that skipping meals can disrupt blood sugar levels, potentially leading to insulin resistance and other metabolic issues. To promote optimal heart health, it is vital to maintain consistent, well-balanced meals that provide necessary nutrients and sustained energy. Eating frequent, smaller meals can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent undue stress on the cardiovascular system. By taking a thoughtful approach to nutrition in the workplace, including planning nutritious snacks and meals, individuals can proactively reduce the risk of heart disease. It is important to recognize that skipping meals significantly raises the risk of heart disease through its impact on metabolism, stress, and cardiovascular well-being. The disruptions in blood sugar levels caused by missed meals, particularly during long work hours, can increase the likelihood of developing insulin resistance over time, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions.One risk factor for heart disease is the body's response to prolonged fasting, which includes increased cortisol secretion, a stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can raise blood pressure and contribute to hypertension, putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Dr. Sarita Gulati, Consultant- Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, points out that skipping meals often leads to poor dietary choices later in the day. This can result in consuming calorie-dense, high-fat foods, leading to spikes in blood glucose and triglycerides, which can promote atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regularly missing meals can also lead to weight gain, especially abdominal fat, 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, leading to higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol), exacerbating the risk of coronary artery disease. Workplace stress combined 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 and focus on balanced, nutrient-rich meals to stabilize blood sugar levels, support healthy cholesterol management, and reduce stress, all essential for long-term heart disease prevention.