But heart attacks can strike even those without traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol levels, suggesting that high viscosity is a possible cause.

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As scientists understand the disease better, they will begin to treat it as any other chronic disease--such as diabetes or high cholesterol.

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As scientists understand the disease better, they will begin to treat it as any other chronic disease such as diabetes or high cholesterol.

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Moreover, some of the negative health effects of a poor diet--such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol--can be handled with drugs.

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These findings are not surprising in light of the growing body of evidence linking intake of sugar sweetened beverages -- of which soda makes up the largest percentage -- and diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol.

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