Changes in red cell sodium content and blood pressure levels with potassium supplementation in black hypertensive patients

ABSTRACT

Red cell sodium and potassium content were measured in 24 black hypertensive patients while they were hypokalaemic on thiazide diuretic therapy and again after potassium supplements (48 meq elemental K+/day). Mean and diastolic blood pressure levels fell by 4.1-4.4 and 4.5-5.2 mm Hg respectively with potassium supplementation, while both urinary excretion of potassium and serum potassium rose. Urinary sodium excretion was unchanged. Red cell potasssium remained within the normal range but red cell sodium, initially high, fell with potassium therapy. This study confirms the importance of potassium supplementation where hypokalaemic results from diuretic therapy (AU)