There appears to be a significant link between consumption of carbonated drinks and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, according to a new study.
The study, carried out by researchers at Fukuoka University in Japan, compared the rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and the consumption of various drinks, using figures on 785,591 cases between 2005 and 2011.
Medical details came from the All-Japan Utstein Registry, and consumption of beverages per person was estimated from national purchasing patterns.
Among the cardiac arrests, 55% were of cardiac origin and 45% of non-cardiac origin related to cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, or a malignant tumour.
Analysis indicates that carbonated drinks are significantly associated with cardiac arrests of cardiac origin, but not non-cardiac origin, the researchers say.
Full details were presented yesterday (1 September) at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2015, held from 29 August to 2 September in London, UK.
Researcher Professor Keijiro Saku said: "Some epidemiologic studies have shown a positive correlation between the consumption of soft drinks and the incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke, while other reports have demonstrated that the intake of green tea and coffee reduced the risk and mortality of cardiovascular disease.
"Carbonated beverages, or sodas, have frequently been demonstrated to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, such as subclinical cardiac remodelling and stroke.
"In this study, carbonated beverage consumption was significantly and positively associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of cardiac origin in Japan, indicating that beverage habits may have an impact on fatal cardiovascular disease. The acid in carbonated beverages might play an important role in this association."
While a causal link has not yet been found, Professor Saku says "the findings do indicate that limiting consumption of carbonated beverages could be beneficial for health."
Abstract: Carbonated beverages are associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of cardiac origin: from the All-Japan Utstein Registry. Presented by Professor Keijiro Saku on 1 September at the ESC Congress 2015
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