Sugar Not Just Cholesterol Linked to Heart Attacks, Study Warns

A new study suggests that high sugar intake especially from added sugars may be a greater risk factor for heart disease and stroke than high cholesterol. While both sugar and cholesterol can impact heart health, researchers have found stronger evidence linking excess sugar consumption to cardiovascular conditions, even among people with normal cholesterol levels.

Key Findings from the Study

A recent study published in BMC Medicine analyzed data from over 110,000 adults in the UK, aged 37 to 73, over nine years. The results were eye-opening:

• For every 5% increase in free sugar consumption, the risk of heart disease rose by 6%, and the risk of stroke increased by 10%.
• Free sugars include those added to foods and drinks—like soft drinks, syrups, candies, and fruit juices—not naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruits and vegetables.

The study used dietary assessments from the UK Biobank and focused on carbohydrate intake, particularly free sugars, and compared it with rates of cardiovascular disease.

Major Sources of Free Sugar

According to Cody Watling, the study’s lead author and a PhD student at the University of Oxford, the most commonly consumed sugary items among participants included:

• Preserves and confectionery (sweets, jams)
• Sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks)
• Fruit juices
• Desserts

Those with the highest risk consumed around 95 grams of free sugars per day about 18% of their daily energy intake.

Why Sugar Harms the Heart

Excessive sugar can overwhelm the liver, causing it to convert sugar into fat similar to how it processes alcohol. This increases the risk of:

• Fatty liver disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic inflammation
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain

Each of these conditions raises the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Inflammation and elevated blood pressure, in particular, are known to damage arteries and increase cardiovascular risk.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Walter Willett, a nutrition and epidemiology professor at Harvard University (not involved in the study), emphasized that sugary beverages are a major threat. “A glass of fruit juice is the same as a glass of Coke in terms of sugar,” he warned, adding that avoiding sugary drinks may be the most effective step toward better heart health.

Do Body Size and Sugar Needs Differ?

Yes. Watling pointed out that dietary guidelines use percentages because calorie needs vary based on a person’s size and activity level. For example, a small woman and a tall, active man have different energy requirements, so the same gram amount of sugar can impact them differently.

Is There a Protective Role for Fiber?

The study also looked at fiber intake. It found that an extra 5 grams of daily fiber was linked to a 4% lower risk of heart disease. However, this protective effect disappeared when researchers adjusted for participants’ body mass indexes (BMI), suggesting that body weight plays a key role in overall risk.

What Past Research Says

This isn’t the first time sugar has been under scrutiny. A 2014 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people consuming 17% to 21% of their daily calories from added sugars had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who consumed less than 10%.

How to Lower Your Risk

To protect your heart, health experts recommend the following:

• Limit or avoid sugar-sweetened drinks like sodas and packaged fruit juices
• Choose whole, unprocessed foods over sugary snacks and desserts
• Opt for carbohydrates rich in whole grains and fiber
• Be mindful of honey, syrups, and processed condiments that contain hidden sugars

Conclusion

Emerging evidence highlights the underestimated danger of high sugar consumption in heart disease and stroke. While managing cholesterol remains important, reducing your intake of added sugars—especially from beverages and processed foods—could significantly lower your cardiovascular risk.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources