Increased consumption of potassium-rich foods as part of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet did not raise blood potassium to dangerous levels in people taking medications to lower their blood pressure, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026. The meeting, held in Arlington, Virginia, from October 7-11, 2026, is a premier scientific exchange focused on recent advances in high blood pressure research.
High blood potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can disrupt heart rhythm and is a particular risk for people with impaired kidney function or those taking certain medications for Type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and blood pressure. The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy while limiting red meat, salt, and added sugars, is well-established for managing blood pressure and aligns with the American Heart Association's 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health.
"The DASH diet is a well-known, proven nutrition pattern that is known to improve blood pressure," said Marian Budu, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., a clinical research coordinator on the GoFresh Trials at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and the presenting author. "However, dangerous potassium levels can occur in people taking blood pressure medications and NSAIDs. Knowing that the DASH diet did not increase blood potassium levels in this population with normal baseline potassium levels provides assurance that the DASH diet can be prescribed to a wide range of people."
The study was a secondary analysis of the GoFresh and GoFresh Rx randomized trials, which enrolled Black adults in the greater Boston area with high blood pressure, both with and without medication. Researchers examined three classes of blood pressure medications—angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), potassium-sparing diuretics, and beta blockers—as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), all known to potentially increase potassium levels.
At the start, average serum potassium was normal: 4.16 mmol/L in the group receiving DASH groceries and 4.18 mmol/L in the group buying their own groceries. After three months, there was no significant increase in potassium levels among any medication subgroup or between the grocery intervention and monetary stipend groups.
"The original GoFresh trial was successful in improving blood pressure when following the DASH diet," said Kevin Volpp, M.D., Ph.D., a volunteer expert with the American Heart Association and scientific lead of the Association's Health Care by Food initiative. "This follow-up study is important because it confirms that significant increases in potassium did not occur with the DASH diet, even for patients on medications that might contribute to increased potassium levels. Managing and monitoring potassium levels is key because they have a direct impact on heart function."
The study included 356 Black adults with an average age of 53, 70% women, recruited from areas with limited grocery access. Half received three months of weekly DASH-patterned groceries and nutrition counseling, while the other half received a cash stipend. Blood potassium was measured at baseline and 12 weeks.
Limitations include the exclusion of people with stage 4 or 5 kidney disease or higher-than-normal baseline potassium, and the study population was limited to Black individuals in Boston, so results may not be generalizable. The authors call for future research in participants with suboptimal kidney function and higher baseline potassium.
The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal. The abstracts will be available in the Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 Supplement of the Hypertension journal. This research matters because it provides reassurance that a proven blood pressure-lowering diet can be safely recommended to a broad population, including those on medications that affect potassium, potentially improving cardiovascular outcomes without risking hyperkalemia.
