Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and many factors contribute to its development. Diet is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease.

Studies show that some foods increase the risk of heart disease by causing inflammation, raising cholesterol and blood pressure, and increasing the risk of diabetes. Here are the top 20 foods that damage heart health.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats are some of the most unhealthy foods you can put in your body. They are high in saturated fat, sodium, and nitrates, which increase the risk of heart disease.

Studies show that people who eat processed meats regularly have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

2. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda and sports drinks, are one of the leading sources of added sugar in the American diet. They are high in calories and sugar and have no nutritional value.

Studies show that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages regularly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

3. Baked Goods

Baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and doughnuts, are high in sugar, refined flour, and saturated fat, which contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol.

Studies show that people who eat more baked goods have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

4. Fried Foods

Fried foods, such as French fries and fried chicken, are high in calories, saturated fat, and trans fats, which contribute to inflammation and high cholesterol.

Studies show that people who eat more fried foods have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

5. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Studies show that frequent fast food consumption increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.

6. Margarine

Margarine is a processed food made from vegetable oils that have been chemically altered to become solid at room temperature. Margarine is high in trans fats, which increase inflammation, raise cholesterol levels, and increase the risk of heart disease.

Many studies have linked trans fats to heart disease and other health problems.

7. Red Meat

Red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, is high in saturated fat, which raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease. Studies show that people who eat more red meat have a higher risk of heart disease and other health problems.

8. Dairy Products

Full-fat dairy products, such as cheese, cream, and butter, are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol.

Studies show that people who eat more full-fat dairy products have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

9. Processed Foods

Processed foods, such as frozen dinners, sweetened cereals, and snack foods, are often high in calories, sugar, and sodium and low in nutrients.

Studies show that people who eat more processed foods have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and obesity.

10. Canned Foods

Canned foods, such as soups, vegetables, and fruits, are often high in sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Many canned foods are also processed and contain added sugars and preservatives, which contribute to inflammation and other health problems.

11. White Bread and Pasta

White bread and pasta are made from refined flour, which has been stripped of fiber and nutrients. They are high in simple carbohydrates, which cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation.

Studies show that people who eat more white bread and pasta have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

12. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are commonly used in diet foods and beverages.

While they contain few or no calories, studies show that artificial sweeteners may contribute to insulin resistance, inflammation, and other health problems.

13. Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, corn oil, and canola oil, are often used in processed foods and restaurant cooking. They are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Studies show that people who eat more vegetable oils have a higher risk of heart disease and other health problems.

14. Alcohol

Consuming too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other heart problems. Studies show that heavy drinking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

15. Salt

Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show that many people consume more salt than recommended, often in the form of processed foods and restaurant meals.

16. High-Fat Cheese

High-fat cheese, such as cheddar, brie, and parmesan, is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which contribute to inflammation and high cholesterol.

Studies show that people who eat more high-fat cheese have a higher risk of heart disease and other health problems.

17. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are often high in caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. Consuming too many energy drinks can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other heart problems.

Studies show that frequent energy drink consumption increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

18. Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in sugar, saturated fat, and calories, which contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol. Studies show that people who eat more ice cream have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

19. Salty Snacks

Salty snacks, such as chips and pretzels, are often high in sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease. They are also often high in calories and low in nutrients, which contribute to obesity and other health problems.

20. Soybean Products

Soybean products, such as tofu and soy milk, are often marketed as healthy alternatives to animal products. However, soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which can interfere with hormonal balance and contribute to inflammation.

Studies show that consuming too much soybean products may increase the risk of breast cancer, thyroid problems, and other health issues.