Private MD News

Diet soda may increase heart attack and stroke risk

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Individuals who regularly drink diet soda may benefit from talking to their doctor about cholesterol testing. A new study suggests that those who rely on these beverages may be more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

The researchers who conducted the study said that their findings have important implications, as people are increasingly opting for low-calorie drinks as the obesity epidemic continues to rage. While diet beverages may contribute less to weight gain, not much is known about the impact they have on cardiovascular health.

For the study, researchers from Columbia University and the University of Miami examined 10 year's worth of data collected on 2,564 individuals. The results showed that those who drank diet beverages on a daily basis were 43 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

The findings suggest that individuals who regularly consume diet soda may benefit from taking extra steps to support their heart health. This may include talking to their doctor about whether they should pursue cholesterol testing, as blood lipids are closely linked to a person's overall risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.