Potassium supplements in salt have shown promising results in reducing recurrent stroke rates and mortality among patients in rural northern China, according to a recent large-scale cluster randomized clinical trial. The study, a subgroup analysis within the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS), focused on stroke patients in China, where stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
High sodium intake and low potassium intake are known risk factors for stroke, particularly in northern China where stroke recurrence rates are higher than global averages. The SSaSS trial, which involved 20,995 individuals in 600 villages, replaced participants’ salt with a substitute containing 75% salt and 25% potassium chloride.
Published in JAMA Cardiology, the study analyzed data from 15,249 participants who had previously experienced a stroke. Researchers tracked blood pressure, stroke recurrence, mortality, and safety outcomes, including the risk of hyperkalemia. They also monitored urinary sodium/potassium excretion.
The results showed a 14% lower rate of recurrent stroke in the group using the potassium substitute compared to the regular salt group. Mean systolic blood pressure was also lower in the salt substitute group. There were a total of 2,735 recurrent stroke events, with 691 fatal and 2,044 nonfatal episodes. Hemorrhagic stroke risk was reduced by 30%, and stroke-related deaths decreased by 21%. Importantly, there was no significant difference in hyperkalemia risk between the two groups.
The findings suggest that reducing salt intake and incorporating potassium-enriched salt as a dietary intervention can help lower stroke recurrence and mortality among stroke survivors. The researchers recommend wider adoption of salt substitutes, especially in regions with high sodium consumption and limited access to preventive healthcare.
For more information, the study titled “Salt Substitution and Recurrent Stroke and Death” can be found in JAMA Cardiology. This research highlights the potential benefits of potassium-enriched salt in reducing the burden of stroke in high-risk populations.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of dietary interventions in stroke prevention and management, offering a safe and cost-effective strategy to improve outcomes for stroke survivors. By promoting the use of salt substitutes with potassium, healthcare providers can potentially make a significant impact on reducing stroke recurrence and mortality rates in at-risk populations.
