In April 2019 researchers from Brazil published the results of their study to assess the association between late-night dinner eating combined with skipping breakfast the next morning with death, a further heart attack and angina within 30 days of hospital discharge following an ST-segment elevation heart attack. They stated that currently new evidence reinforces the importance of specific foods and overall dietary patterns, rather than single isolated nutrients for cardiovascular risk. In addition studies suggest that skipping breakfast and late-night dinner eating are associated with a higher risk of obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. A total of 113 individuals (average age 60 years; 73% men) admitted to the coronary care unit and requiring coronary angiography were included in the study. Information on eating behaviours, skipping breakfast and late-night dinner eating were collected and and it was seen that 58% skipped breakfast, 51% ate their dinner late at night, with 41% skipping breakfast as well as late-night dinner eating. All individuals were followed up during their hospital stays and for 30 days after hospital discharge. During this follow-up period, 23% either died, had a further heart attack or experienced angina. Results showed that skipping breakfast combined with late-night dinner eating was significantly associated with either dying, having a further heart attack or experiencing angina. In fact analyses showed that this eating pattern increased the risk four to five-fold.
Vieira Musse GN et al. Skipping breakfast concomitant with late-night dinner eating is associated with worse outcomes following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2019 Apr 17. [Epub ahead of print]