Potassium supplements for hypertension

Article Abstract:

Various non-drug treatments have been suggested for hypertension (high blood pressure) because of potentially harmful or uncomfortable side effects of drug treatment. Oral potassium is one of these. A report in the March 1, 1990, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine found no effect of this substance in a study of 142 hypertensive patients. However, white men composed the study group, and other research has found an effect in black men. This study also defined an antihypertensive effect as one which prevented a blood pressure rise after the withdrawal of antihypertensive medication which had succeeded in lowering blood pressure previously. It is possible that potassium could keep pressure low even if it cannot meet this criterion. Another objection to the study is that the subjects were placed on a sodium-restricted diet, which probably lowers blood pressure by the same mechanism as potassium, rendering potassium powerless to lower it further. The facts that potassium induces lower blood pressure in some people and that some studies have found other protective effects of this mineral on stroke incidence should encourage people to maintain an adequate potassium balance in their diets and to consider this alternative treatment in certain cases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, African Americans, Potassium (Chemical element), Potassium, editorial

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Control of hypertension -- an important national priority

Article Abstract:

Doctors should encourage all patients with modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease to change their lifestyle. This is especially true for high blood pressure, since many people are not aware they have it.

Editorial

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Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly

Article Abstract:

The author highlights the problems related to hypertension along with some recommendations.

Cardiovascular diseases, Risk factors, Blood pressure

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