Maybe you already know the basics of living a heart-healthy lifestyle. You know it’s important to move your body as much as you can. (The American Heart Association recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week.) You know to minimize red meat and get your protein primarily from plant-based sources. And you know to go easy on the salt.
Thinking about how what you eat can affect your cardiovascular health, including your arteries, is important, but it’s also vital to think about what you drink. Humans are creatures of habit. There’s a good chance that you drink the same beverages every day, such as coffee every morning or sparkling water every day at lunch.
Related: Clogged Arteries Can Play a Significant Role in Severe Heart Conditions—Here Are the Warning Signs to Look For
She adds that one way to keep your arteries strong and flexible is by exercising regularly. According to scientific research, the best type of exercise to support your arteries is a combination of regular aerobic exercise and resistance training. This combination helps with arterial stiffness (how flexible arteries are), endothelial function (how well blood vessels dilate) and blood flow regulation.
“Small, sustainable habits practiced consistently over time can have a big impact on long-term cardiovascular health,” she says.
How To Know if You Have Healthy Arteries
Arteries are not like muscles: You can’t look in the mirror and tell what kind of shape they’re in. “Unfortunately, there isn't a simple way to tell if your arteries are healthy based on how you feel, either,” Dr. Vadali says, adding that plaque can build up silently for years before causing symptoms.
Additionally, if you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it’s important to let your doctor know.
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Thought it was just salt that negatively impacts arteries? Consuming excessive amounts of added sugar can also. “[Sugary] drinks can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, elevated triglycerides and chronic inflammation. Over time, those factors increase the risk of plaque building up in the arteries,” Dr. Vadali explains.
Besides sugar-sweetened tea, Dr. Vadali says that energy drinks, flavored coffee drinks and fruit juices are other beverages that are often higher in added sugar than many people realize.
“For people who exercise regularly, spend time outdoors in the heat, or lose a lot of fluid through sweat, electrolyte beverages can certainly have a place too. I just encourage people to read the label because many sports drinks and electrolyte products contain large amounts of added sugar. When possible, choose electrolyte drinks with little or no added sugar,” she tells Parade.
Don’t underestimate the power of small, sustainable habits—including choosing unsweetened tea instead of sugar-sweetened tea. When done consistently, small habits like this truly can make a difference.
Related: This Popular Breakfast Food Could Be Clogging Your Arteries, Cardiologists Warn
Sources:
What Is Atherosclerosis? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Leading Causes of Death. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much physical activity do you need? American Heart Association.Dr. Sirisha Vadali, MD, non-invasive cardiologist specializing in heart-health prevention.Yadav, Y. (2011). Exercise in the Management of Coronary Artery Disease. Medical Journal Armed Forces India. 63(4):357-361.Jamali, M., Anvarifarad, P., Hosseini, B., et al. (2025). Sweetened beverages and cardiovascular outcomes: an umbrella review of mortality and health outcomes.Nutrition Journal. doi: 10.1186/s12937-025-01242-1.Hence then, the article about this popular drink could be clogging your arteries a cardiologist warns was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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