Yesterday, we were out of orange juice, so I had three big glasses of the Apple and Eve over the course of the day. At about 7:00 p.m., I started to experience the sensation of missed heartbeats.  Instead of resolving itself, it got worse. I began to feel a pounding in my chest, so intense that I could actually feel my heart through my chest at a rapid rate. I soon called 9-1-1.

When the paramedics arrived and hooked me up, I was told that I was having an attack of atrial fibrillation. My heart rate was 196! I was given medication to reduce my heart rate, and taken by ambulance to my local hospital. Several hours later, I was administered electrical defibrillation under anesthesia. Apparently, this had to be done twice. When I woke up, I was told that my heart rhythm had returned to normal.  Several hours later, I was released and sent home.

I am a 53-year old male in otherwise excellent health.  I refrain from all of the usual vices, exercise frequently, and, until this ecent, had no health issues of any kind.

During the period between when I called 9-1-1 last night and when the ambulance came, I began thinking about what might have triggered my attack. I remembered that I experienced these symptoms within 12 hours of drinking the Splenda-laced cranberry juice. I also remember drinking ordinary cranberry juice with no ill effects. I did a quick Google on Splenda and atrial fibrillation and found a number of disturbing references. The Splenda-laced cranberry juice was bought by another family member. It tasted good, and soon all of us were drinking it. My use of this product correlates with my symptoms.

Based on my recent experiences, I will be extra cautious in avoiding Splenda (sucralose), and I urge others with similar experiences or concerns to do likewise."

Thank you M.S. for sharing your story with our visitors.

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