A new analysis published in American Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals that higher serum potassium (K) levels are associated with lower arterial stiffness among Black adults. These findings suggest potassium may play a protective role in cardiovascular health, particularly in populations at high risk for CVD.

The study followed 4,035 Black participants over a 15-year period, beginning in 2000–2004. The included participants had no cardiovascular disease at baseline. Researchers compared individuals with low-normal potassium levels (≤4.0 mmol/L) to those with high-normal levels (>4.0 mmol/L), assessing blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Key measures of arterial stiffness included brachial artery pulse pressure and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV), which were measured between 2012 and 2017. Participants in the high-potassium group had lower baseline blood pressure and reduced arterial stiffness. After adjusting for multiple variables, a one-standard-deviation increase in serum potassium was associated with a significant reduction in CFPWV [estimate -1.66, 95% CI (-2.88, -0.44)].

While the high-potassium group also showed a lower cumulative incidence of cardiovascular disease, this association did not remain significant in fully adjusted models. The study reported no significant association of dietary potassium with arterial stiffness or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

These findings underscore the importance of understanding electrolyte balance, particularly in Black populations who face higher CVD burdens.