Potassium is a minerals your body depends on in order to survive and thrive, but your body can't synthesize potassium on its own. You have to obtain it through the foods you eat. In most cases, get potassium through your diet rather than by taking a supplement like potassium chloride. However, some forms of high blood pressure medicine may decrease your potassium absorption, prompting your doctor to recommend potassium supplements.
Functions of Potassium
Potassium and sodium ions form an electrochemical gradient that spans the membranes of your cell. Potassium is 30 times more concentrated inside your cells than in the fluid surrounding them. Sodium is 10 times more concentrate outside your cells than inside. Potassium sodium pumps in your cell membranes help maintain this electrochemical gradient, which is referred to as membrane potential. If your cellular membrane potential is interrupted, it can interfere with your nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and heart function, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Potassium, Salt and Heart Problems
Many Americans gorge on salt-heavy foods too frequently, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, and this impact national blood pressure rates. Salt encourages the blood pressure to rise, while potassium may help decrease blood pressure. Getting enough potassium in your diet may help counteract some of sodium's hypertensive effects, but some of the medications prescribed for high blood pressure can decrease your ability to absorb this essential nutrient.
Potassium and Diuretics
Diuretic medications prescribed for hypertension may increase your need for potassium, and potassium chloride is one of the forms of potassium sometimes prescribed to relieve this deficiency. According to Drugs.com, however, in cases where a patient with uncomplicated essential hypertension has a normal dietary pattern and is using low dose diuretics, potassium supplementation may be unnecessary. Your doctor can order diagnostic tests to monitor your serum potassium levels and determine whether potassium chloride is right for you.
Warning
Do not take potassium chloride without consulting your doctor first. High dosages of potassium chloride may cause hyperkalemia, a condition associated with potentially fatal outcomes such as cardiac arrest. Potassium can interact with a number of medications and may cause adverse effects in patients who are taking angiotensin converting enzymes, which are sometimes prescribed for cardiovascular disorders
