A new study has found that low-carb diets, popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow, are associated with a heightened risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat linked to strokes and heart failure.
The research, analyzing health records of over 13,000 individuals across two decades, is the largest to examine the connection between carbohydrate consumption and heart rhythm disorders. Participants consuming a low proportion of daily calories from carbs—such as grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables—showed a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart's rhythm becomes irregular, causing symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. Individuals with the condition face a fivefold increased stroke risk compared to those without it, along with potential heart failure complications.
Dr. Xiaodong Zhuang, the study's lead author and a cardiologist at Sun Yat-Sen University in China, emphasized the need for caution: 'The long-term effects of carbohydrate restriction remain controversial, particularly regarding cardiovascular impacts. Our findings suggest this weight management approach should be recommended carefully.'
While previous studies have linked both low-carb and high-carb diets to mortality risks, this research did not confirm earlier observations about the influence of non-carb diet components on outcomes.
