New study links diet soda to cardiovascular risk

Individuals who regularly drink diet soft drinks may be more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke, according to a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. The findings suggest that diet soda drinkers may benefit from talking to their doctor about whether a prescription to buy Plavix is appropriate for them.

For the study, researchers from the University of Miami and Columbia University tracked the health of 2,564 individuals who participated in an earlier study that gathered a range of data related to lifestyle.

The results showed that people who drank diet soda on a daily basis were 43 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke at some point during the 10-year study period.

The researchers said their findings are important given that beverage producers heavily advertise diet sodas as a healthy alternative to full-calorie drinks. While diet beverages may be lower in calories, the findings suggest they are not necessarily healthier.

Individuals who have consumed diet beverages for many years may benefit from talking to their doctor about a prescription to buy Plavix.