Link Between Sugar and High Blood Pressure?

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center
Published: July 2, 2010
Person testing blood sugar.

High sugar (carbohydrate) diets are a leading cause obesity. New research also shows that high sugar intake is associated with elevated blood pressure. Data published in The American Society of Nephrology links diets high in fructose, a common sugar, to hypertension. Individuals who consumed above average amounts of fructose had a 30 percent greater risk of high blood pressure.

What the study does not do is show cause and effect, and clearly this is just the tip of the iceberg in the hotly contested battle over high fructose corn syrup. There are some good reasons why this association may exist:

  1. The combination of sugar, salt and fat are particularly addicting. People who eat lots of sugar probably use salt to excess. These associations are well documented in David Kessler’s book, “The End of Overeating.” Dr. Kessler was a former head of the FDA and spokesperson in the fight against obesity.
  2. A large intake of sugar leads to release of inflammatory factors in the bloodstream. This can lead to a cascade of events, possibly constriction of blood vessels. Other effects of inflammation are blood clotting and plaque formation in arteries. People are known to be at increased risk of heart disease when they have elevated CRP levels. CRP is a measure of inflammation in the body.

At Scottsdale Weight Loss Center, we favor a diet high in vegetables, lower sugar (non-tropical) fruits, and lean proteins, and moderately low in sugar, especially simple sugars. When we show people how to lose weight, they frequently feel less hungry. Our internal studies show a decrease in blood pressure after only modest amounts of weight.

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12 days ago
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Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
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29 days ago
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Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
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33 days ago
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The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
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Sue M
35 days ago
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This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
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41 days ago
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Everything perfect
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46 days ago
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I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20. It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
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Mj W
53 days ago
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SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
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Donna L
55 days ago
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The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
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Paula S
81 days ago
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I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment. Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA. Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss. I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
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88 days ago
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Amazing staff and great program! Feeling great!
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92 days ago
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I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off. I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off. I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did! The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input. They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective. Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well. Good to not feel alone on this journey.
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