Potassium Supplementation to Reduce Blood Pressure
United Kingdom40 participantsStarted 2022-07-30
Plain-language summary
The aim of this study is to conduct a definitive trial to assess the efficacy of consuming 1L/day of water rich in potassium to reduce blood pressure in mild to moderately hypertensive adults. The objective is to assess the potential effect of the intervention on reducing systolic blood pressure. This study will comprise of a 4 week, double-blind, parallel randomised controlled trial. Participants will be adults with systolic blood pressure measurements of 130mmHg or greater. The intervention comprises advice to consume bottled water rich in potassium. The comparator will be regular bottled mineral water.This study will recruit 40 people with elevated systolic blood pressure (≥130mmHg) who are not regularly taking antihypertensive medication.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 64 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Willing and able to provide informed consent
* Between 20 to 64 years old
* English speaking
* Adults who are not receiving antihypertensive pharmacological treatment
* Recent (within 6 months) and latest systolic blood pressure measurement ≥130mmHg and/or diastolic ≥85 mmHg
* Have access to internet and equipment for video calling
* Able to post samples and equipment to OxBCNH
* Physically able to take own body measurements and blood pressure
Exclusion Criteria:
* Participation in another research study
* Unable to read and understand the instructions provided in English
* Unable to comply with experimental procedures or not follow testing safety guidelines
* People with cardiovascular conditions: heart attack or stroke within the last 3 months, heart failure of grade II New York Heart Association and more severe, or prolonged QT syndrome, angina, arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation.
* Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c\> 9%)
* Type 2 diabetes controlled using exogenous insulin
* Previous or current diagnosis of diabetes complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy.
* People with type 1 diabetes
* Currently on any medication that may lead to hyperkalemia or fluid retention
* Currently being assessed for diagnosis of hypertension (not receiving treatment for high blood pressure)
* Already on clinician/HCP supervised diet or restricted diet
* They are planning on going away from home (holiday or other) during the 4 week intervention per…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Seated home measured systolic blood pressure mm/Hg
Timeframe: Blood pressure will be taken at three time points through out the 4 weeks.