Worse than cholesterol? Cardiologist reveals the everyday food silently wrecking your heart, even if you work-out

For years, cholesterol has been branded the main villain behind heart disease. But cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov is sounding the alarm on something else — sugar. In a recent Instagram post, the heart specialist revealed that excessive sugar intake may pose an even greater threat to cardiovascular health, quietly harming millions worldwide.

“Just one serving a day is linked to an 18 percent higher risk of heart disease. Two or more? That jumps to 21 percent — even in people who work out,” Dr. Yaranov explained.

The Global Burden of Sugar
The numbers are sobering. According to Dr. Yaranov, research from 2025 shows that high sugar consumption, particularly from ultra-processed foods, raises the risk of heart disease by 17 percent, coronary artery disease by 23 percent, and stroke by 9 percent. Globally, this translates to more than one million new heart cases and 2.2 million type 2 diabetes diagnoses every year.

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine further highlighted the risk: individuals who consumed 25 percent or more of their daily calories from sugar had more than double the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed less than 10 percent.

Why Sugar Is So Damaging
Dr. Yaranov stressed that sugar does far more than add empty calories. “It fuels inflammation, raises blood pressure, worsens cholesterol, and disrupts glucose control — a double hit for both the heart and the pancreas,” he warned. These hidden effects make sugar particularly insidious, often striking even those who exercise regularly and believe they are making healthy choices.

More Than Just Sweets
What makes sugar tricky is where it hides. Beyond sodas and desserts, added sugars lurk in sauces, snacks, protein bars, and so-called “healthy” foods. Without careful label reading, people often consume two to three times the recommended amount daily.

The American Heart Association advises limiting sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons a day for women and nine for men. Yet Dr. Yaranov notes that most people exceed these limits without realizing it.

While cholesterol still matters, Dr. Yaranov’s message is clear: sugar is the silent saboteur of heart health. Protecting your heart means not only monitoring fats but also cutting back on hidden sugars. “Check your labels. Limit it. Protect your heart and your blood sugar,” he urged.