A press release published today by the Loyola University Health System reports that not only sodium levels, but the ratio of sodium to potassium was an important indicator of cardiovascular health, suggesting those wishing to lower their blood pressure should increase their intake of potassium in addition to reducing their sodium intake.

In their study, those with the highest sodium levels in their urine were 20 percent more likely to suffer strokes, heart attacks, or other forms of cardiovascular disease compared with their counterparts with the lowest sodium levels; however, this link was not strong enough to be considered statistically significant.

By contrast, participants with the highest sodium-to-potassium ratios in their urine were 50 percent more likely to experience cardiovascular disease than those with the lowest sodium-to-potassium ratios.

The researchers said that healthy 19-to-50 year-old adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day – equivalent to one teaspoon of table salt. More than 95 percent of American men and 75 percent of American women in this age range exceed this amount.

To lower blood pressure and blunt the effects of salt, adults should consume 4.7 grams of potassium per day unless they have a clinical condition or medication need that is a contraindication to increased potassium intake. Most American adults aged 31-to-50 consume only about half as much as recommended in the Institute of Medicine report. Changes in diet and physical activity should be under the supervision of a health care professional.

Good potassium sources include fruits, vegetables, dairy foods and fish. Foods that are especially rich in potassium include potatoes and sweet potatoes, fat-free milk and yogurt, tuna, lima beans, bananas, tomato sauce and orange juice. Potassium also is available in supplements.

Ref: Press release from Loyola University Health System