A new analysis of the GoFresh and GoFresh Rx randomized trials has found that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is rich in potassium, did not cause dangerous increases in blood potassium levels among adults with high blood pressure who were taking medications known to raise potassium, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), potassium-sparing diuretics, beta blockers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The preliminary research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.
High blood potassium, or hyperkalemia, can disrupt heart rhythm and is a particular concern for people with kidney disease. The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy while limiting red meat, salt, and added sugars, is well-established for lowering blood pressure and aligns with the American Heart Association’s 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health. However, its potassium content has raised questions about safety for those on medications that can increase potassium retention.
“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. “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.”
The study analyzed data from 356 Black adults in the Boston area, average age 53, who participated in the GoFresh trials between August 2022 and September 2026. Half received three months of weekly DASH-patterned groceries and nutrition counseling, while the other half received a cash stipend to buy their own groceries. Blood potassium was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. The average baseline serum potassium was normal: 4.16 mmol/L in the grocery group and 4.18 mmol/L in the stipend group. Results showed no significant increase in potassium levels in either group, and no differences among subgroups taking ACEi/ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics, beta blockers, or NSAIDs.
“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.”
The findings suggest that the DASH diet can be safely recommended for a broader population of adults with high blood pressure, including those on common medications. This could lead to more widespread adoption of the DASH diet as a first-line lifestyle intervention, potentially reducing reliance on additional medications and improving cardiovascular outcomes. The study was limited to Black adults in Boston with normal baseline potassium and without stage 4 or 5 kidney disease, so the authors call for further research in people with higher baseline potassium levels and advanced kidney conditions.
The abstracts will be published in the Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2026 Supplement of the Hypertension journal on November 17, 2026. Additional resources include the AHA news release 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. For more information on potassium, see A Primer on Potassium. The original release is available at www.newmediawire.com.
