Cardiovascular Effects of Sucrose in Experimental Animals and Humans

Sucrose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, is one of the most widely consumed dietary sugars. The recent global rise in sugar intake is a growing concern regarding its potential contribution to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. While the metabolic effects of glucose and fructose have been extensively studied individually, the impact of sucrose on cardiovascular health remains an evolving area of research. In rats with a high-sucrose diet, hallmarks of metabolic syndrome were observed including weight gain, insulin resistance, ≈15-mm Hg elevation in blood pressure, and systemic inflammation. It also caused disruptions in gut microbiota. Recently, we reported that high-sucrose ingestion via drinking water induces hypertension and cardiovascular complications associated with hyperinsulinemia in mice. In humans, excessive sucrose intake is associated with elevated plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid levels, particularly in individuals with obesity. Although long-term epidemiological data are limited, a recent study demonstrated that sucrose intake increased the risk for hypertension in women. These findings highlight the need to reassess the relationship between sucrose consumption and cardiovascular disease in humans. This review discusses current evidence from both animal and human studies covering molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological outcomes to explore how sucrose influences cardiovascular and metabolic health. As sucrose remains a major component of global diets, particularly in industrialized nations, further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to clarify its long-term health consequences. Reducing excess sucrose intake may represent a prudent public health strategy, especially for individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension.