Changes in red cell sodium content and blood pressure levels with potassiumplementation in black hypertensive patients

Red cell sodium and potassium content were measured in 24 hypertensive patients while they were hypokalaemic on thiazide diuretic therapy and agin after potassium supplements (48 meq elemental K+/day). Mean and diastolic blood levels fell by 4.1-4.4 and 44.5-5.2 mmHg respectively with potassium supplementation, while both urinary excretion of potassium and serum potassium rose. Urinary sodium excretion was unchanged. Red cell potassium remained within the normal range but red cell sodium, initially high, fell with potassium therapy. This study confirms the importance of potassium supplementation where hypokalaemia results from diuretic therapy