An analysis of a prospective cohort study of 42,883 men (22 years follow-up) has demonstrated that sugar-sweetened, but not artificially sweetened, drinks are associated with increased risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD). The conclusions were made on the basis of 'usual' (average) consumption. Risk of CHD was found to increase by ∼20% for every sugar-sweetened drink consumed per day. Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks was also linked to increased levels of inflammatory factors and triglycerides, and decreased levels of HDL, lipoprotein(a), and leptin.