I read that if you have high blood pressure you should never take potassium supplements. Is this true? Why?

Question

I have been daily....should I stop? Will I be ok?

My medication causes me to loose potassium, which is why I've been taking the supplement.

Answer 1

Supplements are contraindicated, because too much Potassium can cause, from further increase in BP, EKG changes, and can result in sudden cardiac arrest.
Best is banana in diet once a day in morning, for hypertension.

Answer 2

If you are taking diuretics to control your hypertension, such as Lasix, you will need the potassium to replenish your storage. Some diuretics make you excrete potassium along with extra water in the body. Other diuretics are potassium sparing. Meaning, that they hold onto the potassuim in the body. So, in this case, you wouldn't want to take the supplements. If the potassium is prescribed by the doc, then, he/she feels that you need it. If you are doing this on your own, talk with your doc before continuing. Too much potassium or too little potassium can cause life threatening cardiac arrythmias amongst other things.

Answer 3

First - there is probably a reason why you are on a potassium supplement - follow your doctor's advice. Why would you even think about stopping a medication your doctor has prescribed - so that you can go back to feeling how you were before you started the supplement. This doesn't make any sense. Also, you are second-guessing your physicians judgement. You should have a discussion with him if you have questions but NEVER stop a prescribed medication without consulting your physician.

Answer 4

that is not necessarily true. Actually potassium is what is used in salt substitutes recommended for people with high blood pressure

The exception is if you are taking a potassium-sparing diuretic. If you take that AND a supplement you could get too high and cause arrhythmias. Other diuretics, like lasix, you have to take EXTRA potassium because the medication causes you to excrete potassium in the urine.

Ask your doctor...it depends on how they are treating you

Answer 5

well, I don't know about that, you should ck with your dr and dietitian.

and ck on

http://www.medlineplus.gov

I think the best way unless your dr told you to take the potassium is that eat a healthy diet

from

http://www.mypyramid.gov

and then eat healthy, if you want then take mulitivitamin but that's it.

one thing about hypertension, high blood pressure, you should watch your salt intake, and fast food, canned foods, and processed food.

also try to eat more food from fresh and make from fresh, because during process, a lot of additiive has salt, well sodium is one of perservative.

talk to your dr and you need to have high blood pressure in control or it could lead to stroke.

exercise is great and excellent for hbp, if your dr is okay with that.

also reduce your stress, what else...

anyway, can't think of anynow but the first website I give you is excellent that you type in the words and it will pop a lot of reliable source for you. take good care yourself.

always ask for expert's advise before you take anything.

okay. :-)

Answer 6

potassium is salt - salt helps the body retain water - water retention is one cause of high blood pressure. Stop taking it and hopefully your blood pressure may drop a little - whichever way less salt is better for you.