Potassium-Magnesium Citrate as a Blood Pressure Lowering Agent in Hypertensive Patients

Potassium-Magnesium Citrate as a Blood Pressure Lowering Agent in Hypertensive Patients; Role of Natriuresis

The goal of this study is to compare the effects of Potassium Magnesium Citrate to Potassium Chloride on blood pressure among patients with pre-hypertension or mild hypertension. We will also test whether Potassium Magnesium Citrate increases excretion of large amounts of sodium in the urine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than 21 years
• BMI > 18.5 kg/m2 and < 40 kg/m2
• Prehypertension and mild hypertension: BP systolic 120-159 mmHg, diastolic 80-95 mmHg
• Must agree to limit lifestyle changes including: 1) embarking on a new exercise or weight reduction program 2) altering alcohol intake during the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Taking blood pressure lowering medication
• Diabetes mellitus
• Renal disease
• Active cardiac disease
• Active liver disease
• Chronic diarrhea
• Chronic NSAID use
• Active or suspected drug use
• Uncontrolled psychiatric disease
• HIV infection
• Missed more than 20% of clinic visits in the last yr
• Prescription of diuretics for any reason
• A patient taking nutritional supplements including multivitamins that is unwilling to discontinue them,\
• Consumption of greater than 14 alcoholic beverages per week