According to a novel study, women who consume high levels of carbohydrates have twice the risk of heart troubles compared with those who have the least intake.

Researchers calculated the total consumption of carbohydrates after the diet of 15,000 men and 32,000 women were studied. It was found that after eight years of follow-up, 158 women and 305 men had got coronary heart disease.

The research revealed that the threat lies in superior carbohydrates which often have a high Glycaemic Index (GI) score.

It has been reported that about 25% of women who consume the maximum amount of carbohydrates had two times the peril of heart disease as the quarter intaking the least.

Sabina Sieri, of Fondazinoe IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori stated, "A high consumption of carbohydrates from high glycaemic index foods, rather than the overall quantity of carbohydrates consumed, appears to influence the risk of developing coronary heart disease".

It is said that there was no relation with heart disease in men between carbohydrate eating, and the GI content of the diet. Perhaps this is because the damaging effects on blood fat levels are tougher threat aspects in women than men.

In a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal has published the research.