Effect of propranolol on total exchangeable body potassium and total exchangeable body sodium in essential hypertension

Abstract

Total exchangeable body potassium (K_E) was determined in fifteen patients with essential hypertension, and total exchangeable body sodium (Na_E) in ten, before and after propranolol administration for 2–3 months. Blood pressure was reduced; serum potassium increased, but K_E was unchanged. Serum sodium and Na_E were unaffected during therapy. It is concluded that the increase in serum potassium during propranolol treatment could not be attributed to potassium retention, but is possibly due to a displacement from the intra- to the extracellular fluid compartment. The antihypertensive effect of propranolol could not be related to changes in Na_E.

Key Words:

• essential hypertension
• potassium
• propranolol
• sodium