Could Potassium Lower the Risk of Stroke?

by | Mar 21, 2011 | 2011, Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Health, Potassium, Stroke

Written by Jessica Patella, ND.  Higher potassium intake is significantly associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke. 

It is estimated that cardiovascular disease costs the United States $433.51 billion, in direct and indirect costs each year (1). Such large costs not only burden the health system but also the economy. What if a simple nutrient could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease? Recent research shows higher potassium intake is associated with lower rates of stroke and possibly cardiovascular disease (2).

The relationship between potassium and lowering blood pressure has already been shown (2). Since hypertension (high blood pressure) is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, it is possible higher potassium intake would also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (2).

A recent meta-analysis included 11 studies to gain a better understanding of the relationship between potassium and cardiovascular disease. A total of 247,510 participants were included when combining data from all eleven studies (2).  Overall, a higher potassium intake (1.64 g or 42.1 mmol per day) was significantly associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.90; p=0.0007).

The protective effect of potassium on the risk of stroke is likely related to the blood pressure lowering effect of potassium. High potassium diets have also been shown to decrease free radical formation, which decreases plaque build-up in stroke-prone rats (3). Potassium is also high in fruits and vegetables and 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day is associated with a 26% lower risk of stroke compared to 3 servings or less (4).

A total of 62,453 participants were included when combining data from four of the studies where cardiovascular disease risk was examined. When comparing potassium intake and cardiovascular disease risk, there was a trend towards higher potassium intake (1.30 g or 33.4 mmol per day) and decreased cardiovascular risk (95% CI: 0.62 to 1.16), although it was not statistically significant (p=0.31).

In conclusion, an average dietary increase of 1.64 g of potassium per day can decrease the risk of stroke, suggesting a protective effect. Dietary potassium may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This meta-analysis was the largest study to look at potassium and cardiovascular disease thus far (2).

Source: D’Elia, Lanfranco, et al. “Potassium intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology 57.10 (2011): 1210-1219.

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors

Posted March 21, 2011.

References:

  1. T T Haase et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics–2006 update: a report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2006;113(6):e85-151.
  2. Lanfranco  D, et al. Potassium Intake, Stroke, and Cardiovascular Disease A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.  J Am Col of Cardio 2011; doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2010.09.070
  3. McCabe RD, et al.  Potassium inhibits free radical formation.  Hypertension  1994: 24: 77-82.
  4. He FJ, et al.  Fruit and vegetables consumption and stroke: meta-analysis of cohort studies.  Lancet 2006: 367: 320-6.