High Blood pressure is a common disorder that can cause strokes, heart, and kidney disease. An interesting study was published in the medical journal, Heart that reported on the role salt substitute can play in reducing blood pressure.
Yin and colleagues reviewed research studies involving around 25,000 people. One set of studies looked at salt substitute (potassium chloride) used in place of table salt (sodium chloride). Taking potassium chloride lowered blood pressure. This happened regardless of age, sex, weight, history of high blood pressure, or where a person lived.
The authors also reported on multiple studies showing that salt substitutes lowered the death rate including death from heart disease and stroke.
These findings are interesting and promising as part of a treatment strategy for managing elevated elevated blood pressure However, do not switch to salt substitutes without consulting your physician. Excess potassium is dangerous and may even result in death.
Your doctor will want to be sure you do not already have elevated potassium blood levels. This can happen as a result of kidney disease, Type I Diabetes, dehydration, certain medications, and other causes. Adding a salt substitute (potassium chloride) may increase your potassium to dangerous levels. Follow your doctor’s guidance.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
