A large study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggests that eating a diet rich in fat, fried foods, processed meats, and sugary drinks can lead to a higher risk of sudden cardiac death.

Investigators evaluated the dietary patterns of over 21,000 people aged 45 years and above. The research was conducted over 18 years in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. After adjustment for factors that might affect risk, researchers noted that people who consumed a Southern-style diet (added fats, fried food, eggs and egg dishes, organ meats, processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages) had a trend towards a greater risk for sudden cardiac death (46%), in comparison with people who consumed such a diet the least. Eating a Mediterranean diet was tied to a 26% lower risk for sudden cardiac death… (Medscape)