According to a new report, high amounts of sugar can increase risk for cardiovascular disease and death.

Research showed that people who consume 17 percent to 21 percent of added sugar, increased their risk of cardiovascular disease by 38 percent. 

Cardiovascular disease is a condition where plague builds in the arteries restricting blood flow and over time, blood flow can stop altogether and cause a heart attack or stroke which can lead to death.  

Heart disease is also the No. 1 killer of Latino Americans and stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Heart Health Association. About 600,000 deaths occur each year from heart disease. 

Latinos ages 20 and older are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease because of risk factors including high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.  

Among Mexican Americans,  33 percent of men and 30 percent of women have CVD according to AHA. 

Added sugars are defined as syrups and sugars added to processed and prepared food such as  grain-based desserts, candy, yeast bread and ready-to-eat cereals. 

The association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of or 100 calories of sugar a day for women and 9 teaspoons or 150 calories of sugar for men.