How does potassium help the heart

Foods that are rich in potassium are important in managing high blood pressure HBP or hypertension because potassium lessens the effects of sodium. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine. Potassium also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps further lower blood pressure.

Potassium can be harmful in patients with kidney disease, any condition that affects how the body handles potassium, or those who take certain medications. The decision of whether to take excess potassium should be discussed with your doctor. PMID: Department of Veterans Affairs. Site Menu Home. Search Health Topics. Search the NIH Guide. NIH Research Matters. October 24, How too little potassium may contribute to cardiovascular disease.

At a Glance In mouse studies, scientists found a mechanism that may explain how low levels of potassium in the diet can cause calcification and stiffness of arteries. Low levels of potassium have been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke in people. The new findings could lead to better methods of prevention and treatment. The lower stroke rate could be due to the heart-health benefits of a potassium-rich diet, like blood pressure control and heart rhythm stabilization.

Looking at the diets of more than 90, women, researchers found that those who had the most potassium in their diets were 12 to 16 percent less likely to have a stroke, report Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, PhD , lead author of the study, and other researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. The women included in the research were between 50 and 79 years old. Those who consumed the most dietary potassium were also 10 percent less likely to die over the 11 years of the study.

Their potassium came from food sources rich in the mineral, rather than from supplements. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Atrial Fibrillation. By Jennifer J. Potassium is needed for muscle contraction, communication between muscles and nerves, and overall muscular function. Since muscles are found throughout your body, including your arms, legs and respiratory and digestive tracts, a diet low in potassium can contribute to fatigue and digestive troubles.

Despite all these benefits, the average potassium intake in the U. So what are the best food sources of this nutrient? Fruit is naturally high in potassium. In addition to the well-known banana, dried fruit, cantaloupe, peaches, apples and oranges are the highest sources, followed by almost all other fruits.