Elevated Sodium-to-Potassium Excretion Ratio Linked to Greater Risk for CVD

18 jan 2009--Patients with elevated sodium-to-potassium excretion ratios may face increased risk for cardiovascular events, reports Archives of Internal Medicine.

In two prospective studies, some 2300 adults aged 30 to 54 and with prehypertension provided four 24-hour urine samples over 18 to 36 months, and then were followed for 10 to 15 years.

During follow-up, 8% of the participants experienced major cardiovascular events, including MI, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death. After adjustment for multiple confounders, the risk for cardiovascular events increased as the sodium-to-potassium excretion ratio increased. Neither sodium nor potassium excretion alone was significantly associated with cardiovascular risk.

The authors conclude that these results, taken together with previous research, suggest that "lowering dietary sodium intake, while increasing potassium consumption, at the population level might reduce the incidence of CVD."

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Archives of Internal Medicine article (Free)