Potassium-Rich DASH Diet Found Safe for Adults Taking Common Blood Pressure Medications

Research Highlights:

• The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet to help lower blood pressure did not cause dangerous changes in potassium levels or kidney function in adults with high blood pressure who were taking blood pressure medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). These medications are known to increase potassium levels.
• The researchers analyzed data from the GoFresh and GoFreshRx randomized trials, in which Black adults with and without treated high blood pressure received three months of DASH-patterned groceries or a monetary stipend to buy their own groceries. Blood potassium levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after three months.
• The researchers suggest that findings should be confirmed among adults with higher baseline potassium levels and advanced kidney conditions.
• Note: The studies featured in this news release are research abstracts. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

ARLINGTON, VA - October 8, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Increased consumption of potassium-rich foods that are 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 is in Arlington, Virginia, October 7-11, 2026, and is the premier scientific exchange focused on recent advances in basic and clinical research on high blood pressure and its relationship to cardiac and kidney disease, stroke, obesity and genetics.

A high level of potassium in the blood, known as hyperkalemia, can cause problems with the heart’s rhythm. People with impaired kidney function due to chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of hyperkalemia. Some medications prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and blood pressure may lead to more potassium in the blood than the kidneys can remove.

The DASH diet plan is well-established to help manage blood pressure and emphasizes healthy food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy products, and limits red meat, salt, and added sugars and sugary beverages. This dietary pattern 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 of the study. “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.”

This study was a secondary analysis of the GoFresh and GoFresh Rx randomized trials that enrolled Black adults in the greater Boston area with high blood pressure who were and were not taking medications to lower their blood pressure.

For this study, the 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 NSAIDs. The GoFresh trials enrolled participants with varying degrees of kidney function, and it was important to determine if there would be any changes in potassium levels in those with lower kidney function.

What are the key findings of the study?

• The analysis found that eating more potassium-rich foods in the DASH diet did not increase potassium levels to dangerous levels among individuals taking ACEis, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics and beta blockers, and NSAIDs.
• At the beginning of the study, the average serum potassium level in the group that received DASH-diet groceries was normal at 4.16 mmol/L and 4.18 mmol/L in the group that purchased their own groceries.
• Among the group prescribed the DASH-diet grocery delivery program, serum potassium levels did not differ among the subgroups taking ACEi/ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics, beta-blockers or NSAIDs.
• There was no significant increase in potassium levels, regardless of whether participants were assigned to the grocery intervention or the monetary stipend group.

“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.” Dr. Volpp, who was not involved in this study, is the Ralph and Beth Johnston Muller Director, Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, and Mark V. Pauly President’s Distinguished Professor, Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

A limitation of the study is that it did not include people with stage 4 or stage 5 kidney disease, or those with higher-than-normal potassium levels at the beginning of the study. Additionally, the study population only included Black individuals living in Boston, so the results may not be generalizable to the general population.

The authors noted that future research should focus on participants with suboptimal kidney function and those with higher potassium levels at baseline.

What are the details, background and design of the study?

• The study is a secondary analysis of the GoFresh and GoFresh Rx randomized trials conducted in Boston between August 2022 and September 2026. This analysis took place in 2026 and included 356 Black adults with an average age of 53, and 70% were women.
• At the start of the study, participants had a systolic blood pressure reading between 120 mm Hg to less than 150 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure reading less than 100 mm Hg.
• GoFresh and GoFreshRx included residents with limited access to grocery stores, a population at increased risk for diet-related cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. The researchers recruited participants through multiple strategies, including word of mouth communications, mailers, and advertising on social media, buses and trains.
• Half of the participants received three months of weekly DASH-patterned groceries and weekly nutrition counseling meetings.The other half received a cash stipend every four weeks to buy their own groceries for three months without any nutrition counseling.
• Foods supplied in the DASH grocery delivery intervention were designed to provide approximately 4,700 mg of potassium per day and a 2:1 potassium-to-sodium ratio.
• Participants’ blood potassium levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks in both participant groups.

Note: Actual presentation is 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Co-authors, their disclosures and funding sources are listed in the abstract. The study was funded by the American Heart Association.

Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

• Multimedia is on right column of release link.
• The abstracts will be published at 10 am ET, Nov. 17, 2026, in the Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 Supplement of the Hypertension journal.
• American Heart Association news release: Following 9 key steps for a lifetime of eating well can support heart health (March 2026)
• American Heart Association news release: Reducing sodium in everyday foods may yield heart-health benefits across populations (Jan. 2026)
• American Heart Association news release: For Black adults in food deserts, food delivery & dietary guidance reduced blood pressure (Nov. 2025)
• American Heart Association health information: A Primer on Potassium
• Follow American Heart Association news from the meeting on X @HeartNews #Hypertension26

The American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 is a premier scientific conference dedicated to recent advancements in both basic and clinical research related to high blood pressure and its connections to cardiac and kidney diseases, stroke, obesity and genetics. The primary aim of the meeting is to bring together interdisciplinary researchers from around the globe and facilitate engagement with leading experts in the field of hypertension. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover the latest research findings and build lasting relationships with researchers and clinicians across various disciplines and career stages. Follow the conference on X using the hashtag #Hypertension26.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:

American Heart Association Communications & Media Relations in Dallas: 214-706-1173; [email protected]

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