Preventing high blood pressure – less sodium, more potassium

[22 December 2008 - 09h25]
[mis à jour le 22 December 2008 à 16h25]

Too much sodium chloride – or salt as it’s better known – in the body increases the risk of high blood pressure (arterial hypertension or AH)… as you already know. But did you realise that insufficient potassium intake can also be harmful?

Potassium plays a role in balancing sodium concentration in the cells. An American study has highlighted the role of a gene that appears to govern this process.

A team of American researchers studied the medical records of 3,300 patients and their results confirm a direct link between low potassium concentration in urine and the development of arterial hypertension.

The researchers have in fact isolated a gene that appears to be somehow involved in this mechanism. We knew this gene existed but did not understand its exact role. This research, which is still in the basic stages, could eventually lead to new treatments being developed.

As the prevention of high blood pressure depends to some extent on the sodium/potassium balance in the body, it’s important to reduce our salt consumption… but we also need to ensure that our potassium intake is sufficient.

And as it’s all a matter of balance, it’s best to use salt that is low in sodium but contains potassium – K-Sel for example – rather than taking potassium capsules where the dosage is less easy to control. And don’t forget that potassium is also found naturally in fruit and vegetables and that a healthy lifestyle plays an important role too. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, taking regular exercise and, of course, quitting smoking are all essential…

Source : 41ème congrès de l’American Society of Nephrology, Philadelphie (Etats-Unis), 8 novembre 2008

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