The effect of high-calcium and high-potassium diet on grade-I hypertension and high normal blood pressure

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of calcium, potassium and calcium-potassium rich diet on grade I hypertension and high normal blood pressure. Methodology: This was a prospective study done at Shahid Madani Research Center, Tabriz, Iran during September 2002-June 2003. One hundred three subjects with grade I hypertension (140-159/90-99 mmHg) and high normal blood pressure (130-139/85-89mmHg) were randomized into 4 Groups. Group C, P, CP received high - calcium diet (>800mg /day), high - potassium diet (> 4000mg/day), a combined high-calcium, high - potassium diet, respectively. Group 0 was as control group. After one month, blood pressure was compared to baseline values. Results: Decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in all three groups(C,PCP) was significant, compared to control group, which was more significant in group CP than group C or group P (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hypertension specially graded and high normal BP can be prevented and treated by an increase in intake of both calcium (1200mg/day) and potassium (4000mg/day).