Pathophysiology of the Antihypertensive and Cardiovascular Properties of Potassium.

Abstract

This study aims to present the current evidence on the antihypertensive and cardioprotective properties of potassium. Increased potassium intake has been associated with antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects demonstrated by many studies, but its supplementation is infrequent in many countries and not frequently recommended by scientific societies. Hypertension is very common and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, strokes, and death, but it is poorly controlled, especially in developing countries. The causes for this are multiple and one of them could be the low potassium supplementation or lack of it. A review of the literature revealed that potassium supplementation decreases blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, strokes, and death. However, its intake is low and not recommended by several societal blood pressure treatment guidelines with the worldwide potassium intake to be quite low. This is happening despite the fact that potassium supplementation is very easy through potassium salt supplements and from the intake of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium content. Therefore, potassium intake should be recommended by physicians to their hypertensive patients, since its benefits significantly outweigh its risks.