title: Potassium in hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
abstract: The increased prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in industrialized societies undoubtedly is associated with the modern high-sodium/low-potassium diet. Extensive experimental and clinical data strongly link potassium intake to cardiovascular outcome. Most studies suggest that the sodium-to-potassium intake ratio is a better predictor of cardiovascular outcome than either nutrient individually. A high-sodium/low-potassium environment results in significant abnormalities in central hemodynamics, leading to potential target organ damage. Altered renal sodium handling, impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and increased oxidative stress are important mediators of this effect. It remains of paramount importance to reinforce consumption of a low-sodium/high-potassium diet as a critical strategy for prevention and treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
authors: Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami, Renal and Hypertension Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125-1624, USA.
authors: Hector
authors: H
authors: Castro
authors: Leopoldo
authors: L
authors: Raij
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D017419:Potassium, Dietary / Q000378:metabolism*; D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000378:metabolism; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D017419:Potassium, Dietary; D012982:Sodium, Dietary; D011188:Potassium
keywords: Endothelium; dietary sodium/potassium; hypertension; nitric oxide; oxidative stress; pulse pressure; pulse wave velocity; stroke