Exercise Alone Insufficient to Counter Heart Attack Risk from Sugary Drinks

Excessive consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. These beverages, often high in added sugars and calories, can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and elevated blood sugar levels, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular issues. Moreover, sugary drinks may raise blood pressure and triglyceride levels, leading to inflammation and damage to blood vessels over time. Several studies and experts have suggested that including more physical activity in daily routine, which is considered healthy for the heart, will cut down the risk of heart disease due to sugary drinks.

However, a new study by Harvard makes some shocking revelations. The study has suggested that even if you are physically active you can never outweigh the risks of getting a heart-related disease associated with drinking sugar-sweetened beverages. Researchers said they aimed to test the hypothesis behind marketing strategies that often show physically active people drinking these beverages, possibly suggesting that consuming sugary drinks is not harmful provided people remain active.

150 minutes of exercise a week does not help if you are consuming sugary drinksFollowing around 1 lakh adults over 30 years, the researchers led by Harvard School of Public Health, US, found that the WHO-recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, aimed to protect against cardiovascular disease, were not enough to counter the adverse effects of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Their data showed the participants consuming these drinks more than twice a week had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of physical activity levels.

“Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with sugar-sweetened beverages by half, but it does not fully eliminate it,” said Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier, professor at Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Canada, and co-author of the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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“Our findings provide further support for public health recommendations and policies to limit people’s intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as to encourage people to meet and maintain adequate physical activity levels,” said lead author Lorena Pacheco, a research scientist in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard.

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Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death
Heart disease, encompassing conditions like coronary artery disease and heart failure, stands as the foremost cause of death globally. It claims millions of lives annually, posing a significant public health challenge. Contributing factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking, among others. Heart disease manifests through various symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, often leading to severe complications like heart attacks or strokes. Prevention and management involve lifestyle modifications, medication, and timely medical interventions to mitigate risk factors and safeguard heart health. Awareness, early detection, and concerted efforts are crucial in combating this pervasive health threat.