Study Links Sweetened Drinks to Stroke and Heart Risks

The study, published in Frontiers in Public Health, analysed data from 69,705 Swedish men and women aged 45 to 83 over a period of 22 years.

The researchers looked at how added sugar intake from various foods and beverages influenced the incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases, including ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

The key findings of the study revealed that added sugar intake was strongly associated with several cardiovascular risks. Specifically, individuals who consumed more than 20% of their daily energy from added sugars had a 31% higher risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm compared to those in the lowest intake category.

Similarly, those with a sugar intake above 15–20% had a 9% higher risk of ischaemic stroke. However, the study also revealed that people with moderate intake of sugar-sweetened treats—such as pastries, ice cream, and chocolate—showed lower risks for several CVDs, challenging the assumption that all sugary foods are equally harmful.

"While sugar-sweetened beverages were consistently linked with increased cardiovascular risks, we observed surprising inverse associations with treat consumption, such as pastries, sweets, and chocolate," said Suzanne Janzi, lead researcher from Lund University. "This emphasizes that not all sources of added sugar are equally harmful, and the type of sugar consumed plays a crucial role in health outcomes."

In addition to these findings, the study highlighted the importance of the source of added sugar. For example, sweetened beverages—such as sodas and fruit drinks—were positively linked to higher risks of ischaemic stroke (19%), heart failure (18%), atrial fibrillation (11%), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (31%). These findings underscore the importance of focusing on reducing sugary drink consumption as part of public health efforts to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

“High intake of sweetened beverages was associated with higher risk for most of the studied outcomes, whereas lower risks were observed in those who consumed moderate amounts of treats," said Janzi. "This warrants further investigation into how different sugar sources impact cardiovascular health in distinct ways."

Another noteworthy aspect of the study was its focus on body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI above 25, higher added sugar intake was more strongly associated with increased risks of ischaemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm. This suggests that people who are overweight or obese may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of sugar on cardiovascular health.

“These findings underscore the complexity of sugar’s impact on cardiovascular health and highlight the need for tailored nutritional recommendations that consider both the amount and source of added sugar,” said co-author Emily Sonestedt.

The study calls for more nuanced dietary guidelines, which focus not only on limiting total added sugar intake but also on reducing specific sources like sweetened beverages. The researchers also suggest that moderate consumption of certain sugar-rich foods, such as treats, might not be as harmful as previously thought.

As cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death globally, the findings of this study could play a key role in shaping future public health strategies aimed at reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke.

By focusing on specific sources of sugar, such as sweetened beverages, and exploring the potential benefits of moderate treat consumption, health authorities may be able to develop more effective dietary recommendations to improve overall public health.