The influence of oral potassium chloride on blood pressure in hypertensive men on a low-sodium diet

Article Abstract:

High blood pressure (hypertension) is an important medical problem and is associated with diseases of the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart, brain, and body. Several recent studies have raised questions about the safety of medication commonly prescribed for hypertension and have helped fuel interest in nutritional approaches to regulating blood pressure. One promising substance in this regard is potassium chloride. Some experimental studies have indicated that this substance, taken orally, does reduce blood pressure, while others have found no effect. The long-term effects of potassium chloride, however, have not been examined. Two hundred eighty-seven white men whose diastolic blood pressure was less than 90mm Hg and who were already taking antihypertensive medication received tablets containing either potassium chloride or a placebo (inactive) drug. They were advised to eat a low-sodium diet, and after 12 weeks their antihypertensive medication was discontinued. The patients' blood pressures were monitored closely for six weeks, then bimonthly for at least two years. Blood pressure higher than 90mm Hg on three consecutive clinic visits two weeks apart was considered sufficient justification for resuming treatment with the antihypertensive drug. If potassium chloride was an effective antihypertensive treatment, additional medication should not have been required. Results showed that 55 percent of the patients in each group needed to resume their medication before the study ended. There was no significant difference between the potassium chloride and placebo group at any point in the study. Side effects such as diarrhea and stomach pain attributed to the medication were reported at the same frequency in both groups. Although potassium chloride may exert a long-term positive effect on disease in arteries, it does not appear that it contributes to reducing blood pressure in men who consume a low-sodium diet. Its effects on blood pressure in men on a high-sodium diet may be more beneficial, as some published reports indicate. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Control, Blood pressure, Potassium chloride, Salt-free diet, Sodium restricted diet

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Treatment of mild hypertension study: final results

Article Abstract:

Antihypertensive drugs in combination with lifestyle modifications may be more effective for the treatment of hypertension than lifestyle modifications alone. Hypertension is persistent high blood pressure. Among 804 patients between 45 and 69 years old with mild hypertension who were followed for at least four years, 597 were treated with different anti-hypertensive drugs and 207 received a placebo, or inactive substance. All the patients received advice on modifying their diet and exercising more. After approximately four years, 72% of the patients in the drug-treatment group and 59% of those in the placebo group were still following their original drug treatment regimen. Fewer deaths and cardiovascular events had occurred among the patients who were originally treated with antihypertensive drugs than among those who received a placebo. Patients in the drug-treatment groups also had a higher quality of life and fewer electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Usage, Exercise, Diet therapy

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Long-term effects on plasma lipids of diet and drugs to treat hypertension

Article Abstract:

Most of the major categories of antihypertensive drugs do not appear to raise blood levels of fats to an unhealthy level. Researchers randomized 902 people with hypertension to receive four years of treatment with one of six treatments: a placebo, a diuretic, a beta blocker, an alpha1 antagonist, a calcium channel blocker or an ACE inhibitor. All participants also followed a low-salt reducing diet and an exercise program. Their blood levels of lipids (fats) were measured at annual visits. Blood pressure dropped in all groups, including the placebo group. The average weight loss overall was about 8 lbs. All treatments, including the placebo, did not significantly raise blood lipids and in many cases lowered them. This was especially true in those who lost 10 lb or more. Those taking doxazosin had the most beneficial changes in blood lipid levels.

Physiological aspects, Weight loss, Blood lipids

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