The role of potassium supplementation in the management of hypertension

Postgraduate Thesis uoadl:1310277 374 Read counter

Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Μονάδες Εντατικής Θεραπείας-Καρδιολογική Νοσηλευτική
Library of the School of Health Sciences
Deposit date:
2013-02-21
Year:
2013
Author:
Στεφανή Δήμητρα
Supervisors info:
Τσιούφης Κωνσταντίνος
Original Title:
Αρτηριακή υπέρταση. Ο ρόλος της συμπληρωματικής πρόσληψης καλίου
Languages:
Greek
Translated title:
The role of potassium supplementation in the management of hypertension
Summary:
Introduction: The non pharmaceutical treatment of hypertension is now
recognized as an important part of its treatment. In this context, the role of
potassium intake for the management of hypertension has been studied
internationally. However, despite the recognition of the vital role of
potassium in regulating blood pressure, in the literature there is still
conflicting epidemiological and research data concerning the effect of
supplemental potassium consumption in the control of hypertension.
Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of potassium
supplementation on the systemic pressure in patients with hypertension, through
systematic review and critical analysis of the literature.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature in Greek and international
databases was performed based on specific criteria. The “key words" that were
used are: Hypertension (Hypertasis OR hypertension), blood pressure, Potassium
(Potassium OR Potassium aspartate) and supplementation or intake. In total 89
articles were used, since there were overlaps between different databases.
Results: We found a significant number of articles on the effects of potassium
in hypertension, the target organs and systems related to blood pressure
regulation in general. Important meta-analyses or systematic reviews conclude
that potassium supplementation results in statistically significant reductions
in blood pressure. The size reduction was proportional to baseline pressure and
duration of potassium administration. Clinical studies have examined the
mechanisms explaining how hypokalemia causes an increase in blood pressure and
a positive correlation between increased potassium intake and blood pressure
lowering. Epidemiological studies suggest a negative correlation between
potassium intake and hypertension, under certain conditions. In normotensive
patients who are salt-sensitive or they have a positive family history of
hypertension it appears that increased potassium intake acts beneficially. The
most significant effect was noticed in patients with severe hypertension and is
associated with prolonged supplementation of high concentrations of potassium.
Conclusions: There is great evidence for the beneficial effect of potassium in
the control of blood pressure. By doubling the daily intake of potassium in
combination with reducing salt consumption is believed that will have a
significant effect in lowering blood pressure in the general population and on
relative cardiovascular risk. In conclusion a potassium consumption of 3.100 mg
/ day for adults, will be beneficial and is in agreement with the European
directives.
Keywords:
Hypertension, Potassium, Supplementation, Non pharmaceutical treatment , Blood pressure
Index:
Yes
Number of index pages:
2
Contains images:
Yes
Number of references:
126
Number of pages:
121
File:
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