They found that high levels of carbohydrates affect the heart’s production of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) - a hormone that helps the body get rid of excess salt and reduces blood pressure. Previous research has found that obese people make less ANP, promoting salt retention and hypertension.

 

"It is thought to be common sense that carbohydrate loading is detrimental; but the negative effects are delivered through the principal hormones, the natriuretic peptides, produced by your heart, a system that is suppressed in obese individuals," said Pankaj Arora, M.D., lead author of the study.

 

The study involved 33 individuals who were given a high-carb shake. After, the researchers tracked the blood vessels of the participants to look for a number of reactions. They observed that high levels of carbohydrates in the blood led to a 25 per cent reduction in the ANP of the participants. This effect remained several hours after the intake of the high-carb shake.

 

The researchers also looked at the mechanism involved in the reduction of ANP levels. They found that the principal reason why it is reduced is the increase in glucose levels in the blood. The said mechanism involved a molecule miR-425 which has been previously described as ANP inhibitor. 

 

The new findings were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

 

High-carb diets have also been shown to promote irregular surge in blood sugar levels and weight gain, and raise the risk of cancer, particular breast and pancreatic cancers. They may have may have psychological effects too. 

 

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