Hypertension is a condition in which blood flow exerts excessive pressure on the walls of the arteries. Without treatment, it can lead to organ and blood vessel damage. This condition has risk factors that are modifiable and those that cannot be modified. Age and race are hypertension risk factors that cannot be modified but diet is a modifiable risk for hypertension. The amount of potassium in a person's diet may contribute to their chances of developing this condition.
Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, about one out of three Americans has hypertension, also called high blood pressure. Also, an estimated one out of four Americans has prehypertension, a condition that increases a person's chances of developing hypertension. Prehypertension is characterized by blood pressure values that are higher than normal but, not high enough to be considered high blood pressure. Furthermore, hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Potassium and Sodium
Movement of potassium and sodium in and out of cells are important for smooth and skeletal muscles contractions as well as for nerve impulse transmission. Potassium and sodium also work together to maintain the body's water balance and blood pressure.
Diet and Hypertension
The Mayo Clinic explains that a diet high in salt, also called sodium chloride, can increase a person's risk of developing hypertension. Retaining too much fluid in the body can cause hypertension. Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention and hypertension may then follow. Additionally, consuming a diet low in potassium is also a risk factor for hypertension. Therefore, a diet that is high in sodium and low in potassium could result in hypertension.
Hypertension and Potassium
The Colorado State University explains that potassium may protect the body from hypertension. This may be due to its effect on the body's sodium content. Accumulation of sodium in the body can cause hypertension or high blood pressure. But, increased levels of potassium in the body encourages increased loss of sodium from the body. Therefore, a diet rich in potassium may help reduce blood pressure.
Recommendations
The CDC recommends that people who have hypertension should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day, which is about two-thirds of a teaspoon. This class of people should consume 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day as well. In addition to this, the Colorado State University suggests that increasing dietary potassium intake, as well as reducing excess sodium consumption may be beneficial to people who are at risk for hypertension.
