Erythrocyte and Total Body Potassium in Untreated Primary Hypertension

Abstract

In a study of total body and erythrocyte K in mild hypertension decreased intracellular K concentrations were found in 41 hypertensives compared to controls but no correlation between intracellular K, measured by whole body counting, and erythrocyte K. A total body K corresponding to an intracellular K of 85% or less of the expected value was found in 44% of the patients, the decrease being more marked in females. In the hypertensives, a negative correlation existed between serum and erythrocyte K. No correlation was found between K decrease and urinary aldosterone or plasma renin level. An inhibition of the active Na-K exchange at the cellular level is proposed as an explanation of these findings.