The treatment ofhypertension(high blood pressure) involves more than justantihypertensive drugs.
About Hypertension
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic health conditions in adults.
In 2017, the very definition of hypertension changed.
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With that said, it only slightly increased the number of people requiring drug treatment.
Potassium and Hypertension
Electrolytesare minerals such as sodium,potassium, and magnesium.
Sodium plays a well-known role in blood pressure.Generally less known is the impact of potassium.
This mineral is found in many foods that help your muscles work, including muscles that control yourheartbeatand breathing.
Its levels in the body are largely maintained by thekidneys.
This is due to the effect potassium has on sodium.
The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you are able to excrete in urine.
If you don’t consume enough potassium, sodium is reabsorbed by the kidneys and retained in the body.
Getting enough potassium may have the opposite effect.
This is where many Americans fall short.
High-Potassium Foods
Increasing your daily potassium intake is not always as easy as it sounds.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about hypertension.
2013;346:f1378.
Perez V, Chang EG.Sodium-to-potassium ratio and blood pressure, hypertension, and related factors.Adv Nutr.
Cleveland Clinic.16 Potassium-Rich Foods.
