A study published online in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, looked at the link between eating habits and coronary heart disease (CHD).  Specifically, the researchers examined whether or not skipping meals or eating late at night influences the risk for CHD.  While the study saw an increase in CHD incidence for those that skipped breakfast and those that ate late at night, the increase was not statistically significant once they adjusted for major CHD risk factors.

The study included 26,902 men between the ages of 45 and 82.  In 1992, they were free from cardiovascular disease and cancer.  During the follow-up, the researchers found 1,527 cases of non-fatal myocardial infarction or fatal CHD.  Men that skipped breakfast were 27 percent more likely to die of CHD and men that ate late at night were 55 percent more likely to die.  However, since the relationship could be explained by other risk factors, the researchers concluded that these eating habits increased the risk of CHD by increasing the risk of traditional CHD risk factors such as body mass index, diet, adequate sleep, hypertension, physical activity, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

According the National Institutes of Health, coronary heart disease is a condition in which the inside of the coronary arteries become covered in plaque.  The arteries provide oxygenated blood to the heart muscle and plaque build-up results in atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or death.  If the plaque ruptures, it can create a blood clot, which can limit or block blood flow to the heart, resulting in chest pain or heart attack.

In the U.S., one in four deaths can be attributed to heart disease, which amounts to 600,000 people. CHD is the most common type of heart disease, accounting for more than 385,000 deaths every year.  CHD is also an expensive condition, costing the U.S. $108.9 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity.

Eating breakfast and avoiding late night meals are behaviors supported by this study.  WebMD lists other eating habits that can help improve or maintain health.  First, taking smaller portions increases the likelihood that the person will eat less.  Second, eating regularly will help avoid late night meals and overeating at a single meal.  Third, eating slowly can mean eating less during a meal and stopping when satisfied instead of becoming too full.  Finally, even snacks should be constructed to provide the balance of nutrients expected from a complete meal, including protein, complex carbohydrates, and limited fat.  MIT Medical suggests that, if eating late, select healthy items.