High cholesterol can affect the health of your heart and lead to high blood pressure. Potassium, on the other hand, is known to enhance heart function and has been linked to improvements in blood pressure and other effects of high cholesterol, such as stroke, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
About Cholesterol
Cholesterol has a bad reputation, but your body needs some of this fatty substance to insulate nerve fibers, make bile to help break down food, build cell membranes and create certain hormones, says the NHS Choices website for England's National Health Service. Cholesterol is carried around your body in lipoproteins, of which there are two types: High-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down, so high levels of this good cholesterol are considered healthy. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, carries cholesterol to your cells, but whatever is not used can build up in your blood and on your artery walls and lead to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. That's why LDL is known as bad cholesterol and lower levels are recommended.
Causes of High Cholesterol
A diet high in fat and smoking are two of the main causes of high cholesterol, says NHS Choices. Having diabetes, high blood pressure and/or a family history of heart disease and stroke are also linked to high cholesterol.
Potassium and Cholesterol
According to ScienceDaily, low potassium levels have been linked to high blood pressure, particularly among African Americans, who are generally known to have a low-potassium diet. High blood pressure is believed to be caused by a narrowing of the arteries, says the Patient UK website. This is also one of the results of cholesterol build-up. As blood has to push through a smaller opening, pressure builds up in your arteries causing high blood pressure. This condition can also place increased pressure on your heart, as it is forced to work harder to push the blood through narrower channels.
Potassium And Your Body
The link between potassium, high blood pressure and high cholesterol may come from the fact that this mineral is essential for the healthy functioning of your heart, as well as your organs, tissues and cells. Having high potassium levels may also help lower your risk of heart condition such as stroke, which is another risk associated with high cholesterol.
Boosting Low Potassium Levels
Potassium is found in citrus fruits, bananas, most vegetables -- especially avocados, which are also full of good cholesterol -- meat, salmon and cod, legumes and dairy products, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most people get all the potassium they need from a healthy diet; however, signs that you are low in potassium include weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, stomach disturbances and/or an irregular heartbeat. If you think you may be low in potassium, add more potassium-rich foods to your diet; if symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.
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