Potassium's Cardiovascular Protective Mechanisms

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Potassium's Cardiovascular Protective Mechanisms

JoAnn Guest

Jan 04, 2007 12:50 PST

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http://www.enzy.com/abstracts/display.asp?id=3651

 

Author:

 

Young DB, Lin H, McCabe RD.

 

Source:

 

Am J Physiol. 1995;268(4 Pt 2):R825-R837.

 

Abstract:

 

High rates of potassium intake are associated with protection from

cardiovascular diseases in populations consuming primitive diets. In

studies in humans and in animals, a strong inverse association

between potassium intake and hypertension and stroke has been

described.

 

However, acceptance of the putative protective effect has been

limited by inadequate understanding of 1) long-term potassium

regulation, and 2) mechanisms by which small changes in plasma

potassium concentration may affect development of cardiovascular

diseases.

 

In this review, we present results from analyses of long-term

potassium regulation that indicated

 

1) changes in potassium intake may result in potassium

concentrations from 3.1 to 4.6 \mmol/l, and 2) when the initial rate

is below normal, potassium

concentration is very sensitive to changes in potassium intake rate.

 

In addition, we present results that provide bases for possible

mechanisms

by which potassium may protect against cardiovascular diseases: 1)

increases in potassium inhibit free radical formation from vascular

endothelial cells and macrophages; 2) elevation of potassium

inhibits

proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells; 3) platelet

aggregation and arterial thrombosis are inhibited by elevation of

potassium; and

 

4) renal vascular resistance is reduced and glomerular filtration

rate is increased by elevation of plasma potassium. We propose that

elevation of dietary potassium intake increases plasma potassium

concentration, thereby inhibiting free radical formation, smooth

muscle proliferation, and thrombus formation.

 

As a result, the rate of atherosclerotic lesion formation and

thrombosis will be diminished. In addition, we propose the increase

in

glomerular filtration rate will cause a shift in the relationship

between arterial pressure and sodium excretion that will lead to a

reduction in arterial blood pressure.

 

By these actions, high levels of dietary intake of potassium could

provide the observed protection against the cardiovascular diseases

that

have plagued humankind since we began eating a modern high-sodium,

low-potassium diet.

 

 

JoAnn Guest

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www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets