Potassium metabolism and therapy in hypertension.
Several studies are available now to highlight the use of K salts in the management of hypertension. Potassium supplements correct diuretic-induced K loss and also lower the blood pressure. However, salt-sensitive hypertension might not respond to K therapy. It acts as a diuretic and reduces plasma volume by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules. It has a vasodilatory effect on the arterioles by directly acting on the smooth muscle cells. Potassium also suppresses plasma renin activity which is not a uniform observation, however; patients who do not respond to K can have a raised plasma renin activity. Potassium might also inhibit neurogenic mechanisms in reducing blood pressure by inhibiting catecholamines. The notion that a low sodium and high K diet can reduce blood pressure without antihypertensive drug therapy is quite interesting because a large number of subjects with subnormal and mild hypertension can benefit from this remedy. However, long term prospective studies would be necessary to generalize the use of K salts in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
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D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011188:Potassium