Cardiologist Warns: This Popular Drink Could Contribute to Clogged Arteries
Commercially sweetened teas, commonly known as iced teas, often contain nearly as much sugar as sodas, and regular consumption can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
Commercially sweetened teas, commonly known as iced teas, often contain nearly as much sugar as sodas, and regular consumption can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
Many are aware that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and reducing salt intake are key to heart health. However, cardiologist Dr. Sirisha Vadali warns that it's not just what we eat that matters, but also what we drink daily. One popular beverage, often considered harmless, could significantly harm arterial health if consumed regularly.
According to Dr. Vadali, commercially sweetened teas, often referred to as iced teas, are a major problem. These drinks often contain nearly the same amount of added sugar as sodas.
"Drinks with high amounts of added sugar can contribute to weight gain, the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, elevated triglycerides, and chronic inflammatory processes. All of this increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries over time," the cardiologist explained.
Her claims are supported by a meta-analysis published in 2025 in the journal Nutrition Journal. According to the research, regular consumption of sweetened beverages is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, and metabolic syndrome.
In addition to sweetened teas, experts note that energy drinks, flavored coffee beverages, and some commercial fruit juices often contain large amounts of added sugar. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read labels and determine the amount of added sugar in the product you're buying.
Dr. Vadali emphasizes that vascular health doesn't depend on a single food or drink, but on overall lifestyle. She recommends regular exercise that combines aerobic workouts and strength training, as such a routine improves vascular health and circulation.
Regarding diet, she advises increasing intake of fresh and minimally processed foods, while ultra-processed foods should be consumed as rarely as possible. It's also important to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels within recommended ranges, avoid smoking, get enough sleep, manage stress, and maintain a healthy body weight.
"Small changes applied consistently can have a big impact on heart and vascular health," emphasizes Dr. Vadali.
Unlike some other indicators of physical health, the condition of your arteries cannot be assessed from the outside, and early changes may not cause any symptoms.
"Plaque in the arteries can build up for years without any symptoms," warns Dr. Vadali.
Therefore, she recommends regular check-ups of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. If results are outside normal ranges, it may indicate a need for lifestyle changes, and sometimes for therapy prescribed by a doctor. People with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should inform their doctor, who may recommend additional tests to assess cardiovascular risk.
While water remains the best choice for daily hydration, experts point out that unsweetened tea is a much better option than commercially sweetened teas. For those who train intensely or are in high temperatures, electrolyte drinks can be beneficial, but even then, one should choose options without or with minimal added sugar.
In the end, experts emphasize that heart health is not the result of a single decision, but of daily routines. Regular activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and thoughtful beverage choices together can significantly reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
