A new study has revealed that excessive use of sugary beverages can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
A report by the American Heart Association stated that people should not drink more than three 355ml cans of soda a week. Professor Paul Elliott, a senior author of the study, said, “Everyone knows that consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, but this study has revealed that excessive sugar intake can lead to high blood pressure problems as well.”
High blood pressure is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. A person with a blood pressure level of 135mmHg over 85mmHg is twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke, compared to someone whose blood pressure is around 115mmHg over 75mmHg. The study revealed that people who consumed excessive salt as well as sugar had the highest chances of developing high blood pressure.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said that more research was needed to understand the relationship between sugar and blood pressure.
BHF Senior Dietician Victoria Taylor said it was best to avoid sugary drinks because they added extra calories that could lead to obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Blood Pressure Association Chairman Professor Graham MacGregor said, “This is another nail in the coffin for soft drinks. Not only do they make you obese, but they could also raise blood pressure.”
A spokesman for the British Soft Drinks Association said, “Soft drinks are safe to drink, but like all food and drink, should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.”
