New preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 indicates that the potassium-rich Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is safe for adults taking common blood pressure medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), without causing dangerous spikes in blood potassium levels or kidney function. The findings, drawn from a secondary analysis of the GoFresh and GoFreshRx randomized trials, could reassure clinicians that the DASH diet can be prescribed more broadly, even for patients on medications known to elevate potassium.
High blood potassium, or hyperkalemia, can disrupt heart rhythm and is a particular risk for people with impaired kidney function. Certain medications for Type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and high blood pressure can cause the kidneys to retain potassium. The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy while limiting red meat, salt, and added sugars, is a proven strategy to lower blood pressure and aligns with the American Heart Association's 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health. However, its high potassium content has raised concerns for patients on medications that also increase potassium.
The study analyzed data from 356 Black adults with high blood pressure in the Boston area, half of whom received three months of DASH-patterned groceries and nutrition counseling, while the other half received a stipend to buy their own groceries. Researchers examined three classes of blood pressure medications—ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, potassium-sparing diuretics, and beta blockers—as well as NSAIDs. Among those receiving DASH groceries, serum potassium levels remained normal, with no significant differences across medication subgroups. The average baseline potassium was 4.16 mmol/L in the grocery group and 4.18 mmol/L in the stipend group, and no dangerous increases occurred after 12 weeks.
"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 and presenting author. "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."
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, noted the importance of the findings. "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," he said. "Managing and monitoring potassium levels is key because they have a direct impact on heart function."
The study had limitations: it excluded individuals with stage 4 or 5 kidney disease or elevated baseline potassium, and the participants were Black adults in Boston, so results may not be generalizable. The authors call for future research in patients with suboptimal kidney function and higher baseline potassium. The full abstracts will be available in the Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 Supplement of the Hypertension journal. This research adds to a growing body of evidence on dietary approaches to blood pressure management, including prior studies such as Following 9 key steps for a lifetime of eating well can support heart health and Reducing sodium in everyday foods may yield heart-health benefits across populations.
