Tiêu đề: Cardiologist: Hidden Sugar Poses Greater Heart Risk Than Cholesterol; Consumption Linked to 21% Increase in Heart Disease

In today’s health-conscious world, people often focus on eating “healthy” foods and avoiding high-cholesterol diets. Yet, according to Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, MD (Cardiology), one common ingredient found in drinks, snacks, sauces, and even “health foods” may be silently wreaking havoc on the heart: sugar. While cholesterol has long been blamed for cardiovascular disease, sugar contributes to inflammation, high blood pressure, disrupted glucose control, and accelerated heart disease. Research shows that even moderate sugar intake increases cardiovascular risk, regardless of physical activity levels. Understanding sugar’s hidden dangers and learning how to manage consumption is essential for preventing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.While cholesterol directly contributes to plaque formation in arteries, sugar damages the heart through multiple pathways. Dr. Yaranov highlights that just one serving of sugar daily can increase heart disease risk by 18%, and two or more servings push it to 21%. This occurs because sugar promotes systemic inflammation, which weakens blood vessel walls and triggers oxidative stress. It also elevates blood pressure, causes harmful changes in lipid profiles, and strains the pancreas. Unlike cholesterol, which primarily affects artery walls, sugar affects multiple systems, creating a compound risk for cardiovascular disease. Even people who exercise regularly are not immune to these effects.Recent studies from 2025 demonstrate the worldwide consequences of excessive sugar consumption. High sugar intake, particularly from ultra-processed foods, is associated with:Sugar is linked to over 1 million new heart disease cases and 2.2 million new type 2 diabetes cases annually. The JAMA Internal Medicine study found that individuals consuming ≥25% of calories from sugar had more than double the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those consuming <10%. This data highlights sugar as a major public health concern worldwide.Sugar’s harmful effects extend beyond calories and weight gain. It directly impacts the cardiovascular system and metabolism through several mechanisms:Together, these effects create a double burden on both the heart and pancreas, heightening the risk of long-term cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.The American Heart Association (AHA) provides daily sugar guidelines to minimize risk:Dr. Yaranov warns that most people consume 2–3 times these amounts unknowingly, especially through sugary drinks, processed foods, and sauces. Monitoring labels, replacing sugary snacks with natural alternatives, and limiting added sugar intake are crucial for heart protection and blood sugar control.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or managing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or other metabolic disorders. Individual health needs may vary.Also Read | This everyday nut could be the secret to lower cholesterol, heart disease prevention, and longevity