Cardiologist warns common foods raise atherosclerosis and blood pressure risk

A cardiology specialist has cautioned that several widely consumed foods pose direct risks to heart and blood vessel health, and that limiting their intake is essential to preventing cardiovascular disease. The cardiologist, Olyana Urasova, said trans fats found in vegetable margarine, industrial baked goods, fast food and many snacks raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol, contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis. Urasova said excessive sugar and sweets quickly spike blood glucose and, over time, increase the likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes, doubling the strain on the heart. She also pointed to high salt consumption as a cause of fluid retention and elevated blood pressure, which she described as leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Processed meats such as sausages and sausage sandwiches were singled out for their high salt, saturated fat and preservative content, while full-fat dairy products were said to carry significant saturated fat alongside calcium. The cardiologist added that fast food is linked to weight gain, rising cholesterol and metabolic disorders due to its fat, sugar and salt content.