A recent study has proven without a doubt what we have known for years now. Regular consumption of foods rich in fat, fried food, processed meats and sugary drinks has been linked to increased chances of sudden cardiac death. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research which was conducted over a period of 18 years, has produced concrete proof that such a diet is largely responsible for sudden cardiac deaths, a common cause of death in the US. Dietary patterns of over 21,000 people over the age of 45 were analyzed over the course of the research. Distinct dietary patterns were created based on the foods that one consumed. The ?convenience? pattern included take-away dishes, fast foods and Mexican and Chinese food. The ?plant-based? group favored vegetables, fruits, cereal, beans and the like. The ?southern? diet included fried food, eggs, meat ? both organ and processed and sugary beverages.