(P14-029-23) Increased Na/K Ratio Increased Blood Pressure in Male College Students

Objectives: Recent studies have shown that the Na/K ratio consumed may be more predictive of hypertension than solely sodium intake. The detrimental effect of high sodium (Na) intake on blood pressure is widely recognized. Recently, potassium (K) intake has gained recognition as a factor in hypertension. This study closely examines the association between the Na/K ratio and blood pressure in males and females. The aim of this study was to determine if an increase in the Na/K ratio is associated with higher blood pressure in WSU college students.

Methods: We utilized a cross-sectional design to evaluate self-reported two-day diet records for 73 male and 183 female students. Sodium and potassium intake were calculated using Diet and Wellness Plus. Each participant's blood pressure was measured five times. Partial correlations were conducted between systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and the following variables: Na, K, and Na/K.

Results: Neither male nor female participants’ SBP or DBP were associated with Na or K intake (p > 0.05). However, an increased Na/K ratio was associated with higher DBP in males (r = 0.254, p = 0.029) but not in females (r = 0.04, p = 0.79).

Conclusions: Our study shows that male and female blood pressure may be affected differently by the ratio of sodium to potassium consumption. Of note, controlled variables were chosen because of their relation to sodium (exercise, fluids, calorie intake, and eating out), yet the Na/K ratio influenced male blood pressure even when controlling for these factors.

Funding Sources: Weber State University’s Office of Undergraduate Research Grant