By News18,Snigdha Oreya
Copyright news18
The role of diet in protecting heart health is well established, but new research is shining a spotlight on one mineral in particular: potassium. A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that patients with healthy potassium levels may lower their risk of heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms significantly. The findings add weight to the long-standing advice of including potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, potatoes, and leafy greens in daily meals.
What the Experts Say
Dr. Rajiv Bhagwat, Senior Cardiologist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, explains: “Recent research has determined that patients with normal potassium levels had a markedly reduced risk of heart failure and dangerous heart rhythms. The good news for many people is that this is achievable: sustainable potassium is found in the foods that everyone should be consuming. In other words, more bananas, avocados, potatoes, spinach, and beans. It is noted that this would reduce the risk of heart failure by nearly a quarter, or up to 24 per cent.”
He adds that the study reinforces the idea of eating a colourful, plant-rich diet but cautions: “For anyone with existing heart or kidney conditions, please see your doctor before making any substantial changes to your diet.”
Potassium Supplements: Proceed With Caution
While the findings are promising, experts also highlight the study’s limitations. Dr. Praveen Kulkarni, Director – Intervention Cardiology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, notes: “The cited study was conducted in a narrow cohort of patients with heart failure who already had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Within this group, oral potassium supplementation alongside increased dietary potassium was associated with a lower incidence of arrhythmias. Given the limited population and study design, these results should not be generalised to recommend routine potassium supplementation for the broader public.”
He emphasises the risks of self-prescribed supplements: “Unsupervised potassium intake can be harmful and should not be advised as a blanket dietary rule, particularly for individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or those taking potassium-sparing agents. Any consideration of supplementation should be individualised and accompanied by appropriate monitoring of serum potassium and renal function.”
Food First, Balance Always
The takeaway? Potassium-rich foods are a safe and beneficial addition to most diets, supporting cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. But supplements should never replace medical advice or monitoring. Instead, focus on a balanced plate filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole foods: an approach that continues to prove itself as one of the simplest, most powerful ways to care for your heart.
