This is scary news. A lead scientist from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine stated at a recent stroke conference that, “People who had diet soda every day experienced a 61% higher risk of vascular events than those who reported drinking no soda.”

What this means is that the researchers saw a link between diet soda consumption and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death.

Keep in mind this report was an observational study, not a placebo controlled randomized study. However, the news should not be taken lightly.

So, what should clinicians advise patients to do? Well, here's what Harvard Medical Schools Steven Greenberg suggests: that patients start by concentrating on a healthy diet and regular exercise. I say, everything in moderation but you're better off nixing the diet soda.