Date of Award

3-25-2022

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (MMSc)

First Advisor

David Geller, MD/PhD

Abstract

Hypertension disproportionately affects African Americans. First-line monotherapy for treating mild-to-moderate hypertension in African Americans is with thiazide-type diuretics, particularly hydrochlorothiazide. However, the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical control of blood pressure via potassium supplementation is comparable in this population and has a favorable side effect profile. We hypothesize that daily 80mEq potassium supplementation is non-inferior to 25.0mg hydrochlorothiazide in reducing systolic blood pressure in African American adults. To test this hypothesis, we will conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial and measure systolic blood pressure at 3 months and 6 months after initiating daily potassium supplementation versus low-dose hydrochlorothiazide and will evaluate this intervention’s ability to remain within a non-inferiority margin. This study will elucidate the role of daily potassium supplementation in treating mild-to-moderate hypertension in African Americans as a safer alternative to hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

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