Effects of chronically skipping meals on atrial fibrillation risk

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. While there are many potential causes of atrial fibrillation that have been well studied, this work considers the potential effect of chronically skipping meals on the development of atrial fibrillation. The authors discuss the various processes that skipping meals initiates in the body that may ultimately result in atrial fibrillation. Through a better understanding of the various disease pathophysiologies that can contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation, this narrative review may help lead to more advanced therapeutic and preventive approaches. Plain language summary Arrhythmias are conditions of the heart that cause it to beat abnormally. When the heart beats abnormally, this can result in disturbances in the functioning of the body in many ways. Symptoms can range from very minimal to severe and even death. Although there are various types of abnormal heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation is the most common form, and it originates in the upper chambers of the heart. Chronically skipping meals may increase the risk that one may develop atrial fibrillation through various processes. In this narrative review, the authors discuss these various processes in the hopes that this may help lead to more advanced therapeutic and preventive approaches.