Sodium versus potassium: effects on postprandial blood pressure and measures of blood vessel function

TL;DRAbstract

Background Extensive research indicates excessive sodium intake leads to an increased risk of hypertension. Postprandial studies suggest endothelial dysfunction occurs in response to a meal high in sodium compared to a low sodium meal. Dietary intervention studies suggest a reduction in blood pressure (BP) and improvements in pulse wave analysis measures in hypertensive populations, following replacement of sodium with potassium. Objective The present study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of moderately high sodium (54 mM Na+; 11 mM K+), moderately potassium rich (14 mM Na+; 36 mM K+) and low sodium meals (14 mM Na+; 11 mM K+) on postprandial (up to 3 hr) blood pressure and blood vessel function as measured by pulse wave analysis. Design A double-blind cross-over study was conducted in 41 normotensive adults (mean age 57.5±11.6 years; 12 males). For 48 hr prior to testing subjects avoided food items high in sodium or potassium. Fasting subjects consumed one of three test me

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