How Sugar Affects Your Heart: A Friendly Guide

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1. Ever Wonder What Happens When You Eat Too Much Sugar?


When we indulge in sugary treats, our body produces extra insulin, like a traffic cop trying to manage the sugar rush. Excess sugar triggers higher insulin levels, which are closely linked to insulin resistance and blood sugar spikes.

2. Did You Know Insulin Can Harm Your Arteries?


Too much insulin can start to damage the inner walls of your arteries, making them weak and inflamed. High insulin levels are a major contributor to arterial inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

3. Guess What Your Body Does Next?


Your body goes into repair mode, sending immune cells, LDL cholesterol, and a protein called fibrin to patch up the damage, like a team of emergency responders. This response is connected to arterial plaque formation.

4. Think Plaque Only Forms in Your Teeth?


This "patch" turns into plaque in your arteries, mostly made of fibrin and LDL.
Fibrin makes up a significant part of arterial plaque—about 68%. However, people are becoming anti cholesterol and not anti protein. Plaque is usually soft, making it unstable and potentially dangerous. Plaque buildup in the arteries is a key factor in heart disease. 


5. Curious About Why Soft Plaque Is Risky?


Soft plaque can bleed and cause inflammation. When it mixes with your blood, it can form clots, leading to serious problems. This can lead to blood clots, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

6. What Happens If a Clot Blocks Blood Flow?


If a clot blocks your heart's blood supply, it can cause a heart attack. If it travels to your brain, it can cause a stroke. Both heart attacks and strokes are life-threatening conditions.




               Heart Attack and Stroke




7. Are You Noticing Any Symptoms?


Unfortunately, many of us don’t notice anything until more than half the damage is done—scary, right? Silent symptoms of arterial damage often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

8. Could Sugar Be Stressing Out Your Arteries?


Consistently high sugar levels put a lot of pressure on your arteries, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and other health issues. Reducing sugar intake can improve heart health and lower the risk of chronic diseases.


Takeaway: 


Want to protect your heart and overall health? Cutting back on sugar is a simple but powerful step you can take today. Prioritizing heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall well-being.






Disclaimer 
It's important to note that these recommendations are for informational purposes only. It's advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner before making any significant changes in behavior, diet, or exercise regimen. Sujatha Rengaraj, a nutritionist, does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment for any ailments.

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