The Impact of Potassium on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients
Lisa Amalia Qur^any, Eva Rianti Indrasari, Ahmad Suheil Faisal, Hisyam Sauqi Fatah, Buti Azfiani Azhali, Rizky Suganda Prawiradilaga, Mirasari Putri*

Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Biomolecular, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
*Correspondence author: mirasari.putri[at]unisba.ac.id

Abstract

Hypertension still a significant global health problem. One of the risk factors for hypertension is an unbalanced diet, especially low potassium intake. Potassium is known to have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation through a mechanism which helps reduce sodium retention since potassium helps neutralize the negative effects of sodium, which in excess can increase blood pressure. Potassium works by relaxing blood vessel walls, improving sodium excretion through the kidneys, and reducing peripheral vascular resistance which overall can help lower blood pressure. The method used was an observational analytical approach with a cross-sectional design. Potassium intake data were obtained through 3x24-hour nutritional recall for two weeks, while blood pressure measurements were conducted by using a standard protocol. The result shows a significant relationship between adequate potassium intake and decreased blood pressure in hypertensive patients. It emphasizes the importance of potassium consumption as part of a non-pharmacological intervention in managing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Therefore, education regards to potassium-rich diets needs to be improved in order to support the prevention and control of hypertension.

Keywords: Hypertension, Potassium, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure

Topic: Nutrition