Low Potassium Intake Associated with Increased Risk for Stroke

Low Potassium Intake Associated with Increased Risk for Stroke

Individuals who consume the least potassium are more likely to have a stroke, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology.

Numerous studies have found that low potassium intake and low serum potassium are associated with an increased chance of dying from a stroke. The researchers undertook the current study because data regarding whether low potassium levels were associated with the incidence of stroke was scarce.

Researchers studied 5,600 men and women older than 65 years who had not experienced a stroke at the beginning of the study. They measured the serum potassium level, determined the dietary potassium intake and the diuretic use of subjects, then followed the participants for 4 to 8 years. During that time, they recorded the incidence and types of strokes.

Diuretic users and non-diuretic users both experienced an increased risk for stroke. Diuretic users had a low serum potassium level and an increased risk of stroke. In non-diuretic users, low dietary potassium intake was associated with an increased risk for stroke.

Reference:

Green, DM, Ropper AH, Kronmal RA, Psaty BM, Burke GL for The Cardiovascular Health Study. Serum potassium level and dietary potassium intake as risk factors for stroke. Neurology. 2002;59:314-320.