Private MD News

Study: Soda, sugar consumption creates heart disease risk

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Fructose, the sugar commonly found in soft drinks and sweet foods, has been liked to high blood pressure in many Americans, new studies suggest.

A study led by Dr Santos Perez-Pozo examined 74 men who regularly ate 200 grams a fructose each day - drastically higher levels than the average American's consumption of 50 to 70 grams, HealthDay News reports. The research found that men with this diet who took drugs meant to reduce blood levels of uric acid experienced a one point increase in systolic blood pressure, while men taking a placebo experienced a six point increase.

Researchers concluded that fructose raises blood pressure by increasing levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.

Dr Richard J. Johnson, who co-authored the study summarized that the results "raise the possibility that fructose may have a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension," which is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and heart disease.

The CDC reports that in 2005, heart disease was responsible for 27.1 percent of all deaths in the U.S. In addition to improving diet and increasing exercise, the National Institutes of Health recommends blood pressure and cholesterol testing to ascertain one's risk of developing heart disease.