Mice have the lowest blood pressure when their blood potassium is around 4.5 mM, but higher or lower levels raise blood pressure.

Scientific Claim

Plasma potassium levels in mice exhibit a U-shaped association with systolic blood pressure, with the lowest blood pressure observed at approximately 4.5 mM.

Original Statement

“a second-order quadratic (U-shaped) relationship was observed between SBP and plasma [K+] (when considering data from NS-fed mice from cohort 1 and 2) (Figure 8F).”

From study:Dissociation of sodium-chloride cotransporter expression and blood pressure during chronic high dietary potassium supplementation

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study design supports correlational claims. The phrasing correctly uses 'exhibit a U-shaped association' and specifies the observed value without implying causation.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Dissociation of sodium-chloride cotransporter expression and blood pressure during chronic high dietary potassium supplementation

Cohort Study

Animal

2023 Mar 8

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Dissociation of sodium-chloride cotransporter expression and blood pressure during chronic high dietary potassium supplementation

Score: 13

DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.156437

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