Diet soda may be linked with a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes. Researchers studied more than 2,500 senior citizens in New York City and found that those who regularly drank diet soda were 44 percent more likely to have a heart attack over the next decade. The investigators could not determine whether the diet sodas actually caused these cardiovascular complications or if there are other factors that contributed such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol or a sedentary lifestyle. People who drink diet soda may think that they are doing something to promote their health. Until scientists figure out if the connection is real or coincidental, perhaps it makes sense to take it easy on diet soft drinks.
[Journal of General Internal Medicine, Online, Jan. 27, 2012]
