Potassium Deficiency Increases Hypertension Risks

Potassium is one of the main electrolytes in the body. These electrolytes are very essential for normal functioning of the cells. About 98% of potassium is present inside the cells and 2% of potassium is found in the serum. One of the important functions of potassium is to maintain the cell electrical potential. Small changes in the serum potassium levels can affect the body function. Normal level of serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Dietary intake is the major source of potassium. Some of the foods rich in potassium are fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, beets, peas, mushrooms, fresh fruits such as bananas, apricots, oranges, meats such as turkey, beef, fish and fruit juices. If the levels of potassium in the body are lowered, then the condition is known as potassium deficiency or hypokalemia.

Causes and Symptoms of Hypokalemia

Potassium loss may occur from kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. The causes of potassium loss from intestine are diarrhea, vomiting, ileostomy, villous adenoma and excessive use of laxatives. Potassium loss from kidneys is due to diuretic medications, increased corticosteroid levels, renal tubular acidosis and low magnesium levels. Hypokalemia can cause the symptoms such as muscle weakness, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramping, palpitations and abnormal psychological behavior.

Hypokalemia Increases Hypertension Risks

One of the important functions of potassium is to maintain the normal blood pressure. According to the latest researches, potassium deficiency increases hypertension risks. Low potassium levels increase the risk of high systemic blood pressure. Effects of potassium on blood pressure are found to be stronger than that of sodium. According to the scientific studies, it is the WNK1 gene that is responsible for effect of potassium on blood pressure.

Effects of high sodium intake on blood pressure are well known. In order to understand the effects of potassium deficiency on blood pressure, researchers analyzed data on about 3,300 subjects from the Dallas Heart Study. About half of them were African Americans, who are known to have the lowest amounts of potassium in their diet. According to the results, the amount of potassium in the urine samples was strongly associated with blood pressure. The lower level of potassium in the urine, hence lower dietary intake of potassium and higher the blood pressure. 'Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension' (DASH) has linked potassium deficiency to hypertension.

For the people having hypertension, it is beneficial to follow the DASH diet plan in order to lower the blood pressure. The DASH diet plan recommends the foods high in potassium, calcium and magnesium and low in total and saturated fats and sodium. It is advised to increase dietary potassium intake to reduce blood pressure. Potassium causes increased excretion of sodium, which is responsible for high blood pressure. The vasoactive effects of potassium on blood vessels also lowers the blood pressure. Hence, increased dietary intake of potassium rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and milk are recommended for the people at high risk for hypertension.