During busy work days, many employees face overwhelming tasks and deadlines. To cope, some may opt to skip meals, such as breakfast or lunch, at work. However, skipping meals can have a notable impact on heart health. Delaying eating may result in increased hunger later in the day, leading to excessive consumption of 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 from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that individuals who skip breakfast have an 87% higher risk of cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those who eat 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 metabolic disorders like diabetes. To support heart health, it is essential to maintain a consistent and balanced meal schedule that provides essential nutrients and steady energy. Consuming frequent, smaller meals can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. Taking a proactive approach to nutrition at work, including planning healthy snacks and meals, can help lower the risk of heart disease.Skipping meals poses a significant risk to heart health as it impacts metabolism, stress levels, and cardiovascular well-being. Meal skipping, especially during long work hours, can disrupt blood sugar levels and raise the likelihood of developing insulin resistance over time, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, a significant health concern.One significant risk factor for heart disease is the body's response to prolonged fasting, which leads to increased cortisol secretion - a stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can raise blood pressure, contributing to hypertension and putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Dr. Sarita Gulati, Consultant- Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, warns that skipping meals often leads to 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 - plaque buildup in the arteries that increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regularly missed meals may also result in weight gain, particularly in abdominal fat, which is closely linked to heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Disruption of the body's circadian rhythm due to irregular eating patterns is another critical factor, which can affect cholesterol metabolism, raising LDL (bad cholesterol) and lowering HDL (good cholesterol), further elevating the risk of coronary artery disease. Workplace stress combined with poor nutrition weakens the body's ability to manage inflammation, another factor contributing to heart disease. To support optimal heart health, it is recommended to maintain a regular eating schedule with balanced, nutrient-rich meals to stabilize blood sugar levels, support healthy cholesterol management, and reduce stress - all essential in reducing the long-term risk of heart disease.