DRINKING two or more glasses of sugary soft drink a day increases the risk of heart failure in men.
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A Swedish study of 42,400 men found the habit was associated with a 23 per cent higher risk of developing heart failure, and importantly the link still stood despite adjustments for classical cardiovascular risk factors, including family history, diabetes, and smoking.
The study has prompted the Heart Foundation to advise men to consume less sugary drinks.
National policy advisor, Beth Thomas said while the observational study did not prove that drinking sugary drinks caused heart failure, it did shed light on important factors that may increase our risk: like having sugary drinks every day.
"We know that one in three Australians are having sugary drinks on a daily basis," said Ms Thomas.
"Young men are the highest consumers, drinking an average of 16 teaspoons of sugar a day ," she said.
While the study focused on men, it is important to remember the health consequences of regularly consuming sugary drinks do not discriminate.
"Sugary drinks contain little nutritional benefit and are linked, in part, to the rising levels of obesity, and consequently heart disease, worldwide.
The change to warmer weather means people are reaching out more frequently for the drink bottle.
"We encourage people to rehydrate, particularly in the hotter months, but to make smart choices about what they are drinking," said Ms Thomas.
"Instead of soft drink fill up on water - it is better for your wallet, your weight and your heart," she said.
"And if you really want to have some fizz in your glass choose soda water or mineral water instead and add some citrus for flavour."
