Biological Research (Dec 2021)

Effects of enriched-potassium diet on cardiorespiratory outcomes in experimental non-ischemic chronic heart failure

  • Karla G. Schwarz,
  • Katherin V. Pereyra,
  • Camilo Toledo,
  • David C. Andrade,
  • Hugo S. Díaz,
  • Esteban Díaz-Jara,
  • Domiziana Ortolani,
  • Angélica Rios-Gallardo,
  • Paulina Arias,
  • Alexandra Las Heras,
  • Ignacio Vera,
  • Fernando C. Ortiz,
  • Nibaldo C. Inestrosa,
  • Carlos P. Vio,
  • Rodrigo Del Rio

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40659-021-00365-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 54, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a global health problem. Increased sympathetic outflow, cardiac arrhythmogenesis and irregular breathing patterns have all been associated with poor outcomes in CHF. Several studies showed that activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) play a key role in CHF pathophysiology. Interestingly, potassium (K+) supplemented diets showed promising results in normalizing RAS axis and autonomic dysfunction in vascular diseases, lowering cardiovascular risk. Whether subtle increases in dietary K+ consumption may exert similar effects in CHF has not been previously tested. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary K+ supplementation on cardiorespiratory alterations in rats with CHF. Methods Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent volume overload to induce non-ischemic CHF. Animals were randomly allocated to normal chow diet (CHF group) or supplemented K+ diet (CHF+K+ group) for 6 weeks. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis, sympathetic outflow, baroreflex sensitivity, breathing disorders, chemoreflex function, respiratory–cardiovascular coupling and cardiac function were evaluated. Results Compared to normal chow diet, K+ supplemented diet in CHF significantly reduced arrhythmia incidence (67.8 ± 15.1 vs. 31.0 ± 3.7 events/hour, CHF vs. CHF+K+), decreased cardiac sympathetic tone (ΔHR to propranolol: − 97.4 ± 9.4 vs. − 60.8 ± 8.3 bpm, CHF vs. CHF+K+), restored baroreflex function and attenuated irregular breathing patterns. Additionally, supplementation of the diet with K+ restores normal central respiratory chemoreflex drive and abrogates pathological cardio-respiratory coupling in CHF rats being the outcome an improved cardiac function. Conclusion Our findings support that dietary K+ supplementation in non-ischemic CHF alleviate cardiorespiratory dysfunction.

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