In a recent study published by the American Heart Association (AHA), researchers found that time-restricted eating, a popular weight-loss strategy also known as intermittent fasting, may be associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death. The study, which analyzed data from over 20,000 adults, revealed that individuals who followed an eight-hour time-restricted eating schedule had a 91% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who spread out their meals across 12 to 16 hours.

The findings, presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions in Chicago, shed light on the long-term health effects of time-restricted eating. While previous studies have indicated positive outcomes such as improved blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, the risk of death from any cause or cardiovascular disease was previously unknown.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China, utilized data from the annual 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and compared it to causes of death recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2003 and December 2019.

According to the analysis, individuals who consumed all their daily food within a window of less than eight hours had the highest risk of cardiovascular death at 91%. Those who ate in a window of between eight and 10 hours had a 66% increased risk. Interestingly, people with existing heart disease or cancer were also found to be more susceptible to the higher risk of heart-related deaths.

Despite the significant findings, experts urge caution regarding the study's limitations. Dr. Lou Vadlamani, a cardiologist and founder of VitalSolution, highlighted the need for more comprehensive research, emphasizing that the study relied on self-reported food intake and did not account for additional lifestyle factors that impact overall health.

Registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus also emphasized the importance of proper publication and peer-review of the study's findings before drawing definitive conclusions. She noted that while the research suggests a correlation between intermittent fasting and death from cardiovascular disease, it does not prove causation.

Nevertheless, Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist, believes the study provides an important addition to the existing data on time-restricted eating. Freirich emphasized the need for personalized nutrition advice, as time-restricted eating may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or difficulty in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

The study's findings encourage individuals following a time-restricted eating pattern to consult with their healthcare provider and assess their cardiovascular health. As further research is conducted, it will be crucial to understand the potential risks and benefits associated with time-restricted eating for long-term health outcomes.

Fox News Digital reached out to the American Heart Association and the study researchers for additional comments. It is worth noting that the study has not yet undergone peer-review. For further health-related articles, please visit www.foxnews/health.