Avoiding carbs lowers blood pressure

Scientists at Duke University: Low carbohydrates can lower high blood pressure

Researchers at US Duke University have found in a study that a diet low in carbohydrates can lower blood pressure. In addition, the weight could be lowered accordingly in the subjects. Overweight patients often suffer from hypertension.

The study involved 146 seriously overweight patients. One half of the study participants waived largely on carbohydrate-rich diet. The other half of the participants largely renounced fat-rich diet and was also given the over-the-counter fat blocker "Orlistat". Both groups of patients successfully lost weight. The blood lipid levels could be lowered to a good extent. The subjects lost on average about 10 percent of their weight. However, participants who did not use carbohydrates also dropped their blood pressure, which added to the scientists' surprise.

In the medical journal "Archives of Internal Medicine", the scientists reported that the systolic upper value could be lowered by six points. The diastolic, lower value could be reduced by almost five points. Almost all participants who consumed low carbohydrates could either discontinue their blood pressure medication altogether or reduce the dose of the medication. Why this is so, the scientists could not yet name. It will continue to be researched. (sb, 30.01.2010)

The weight that suits me
High blood pressure (hypertension)