If you take medications such as losartan or lisinopril for high blood pressure, you’ve probably become accustomed to taking them as part of your daily routine. These medications are widely prescribed and can be highly effective when used as directed.

However, there is one common kitchen product that many people switch to in an effort to eat healthier—without realizing it may not be appropriate for everyone taking these medications.

The concern isn’t meant to cause alarm, but rather to help you make informed choices and know when it’s worth discussing your diet with your healthcare provider.

How Losartan and Lisinopril Work

Although they belong to different medication classes, both losartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB) and lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) lower blood pressure by affecting the body’s renin-angiotensin system.

These medications help relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. They also influence how the kidneys regulate sodium, water, and potassium.

Because of these effects, both medications may increase potassium levels in some individuals.

Why Potassium Matters

Potassium is an essential mineral that supports muscle function, nerve signaling, and normal heart rhythm.

Healthy kidneys normally keep potassium levels within a narrow range. However, certain medications—including ACE inhibitors and ARBs—can reduce the kidneys’ ability to remove excess potassium from the body.

When potassium rises too high, a condition called hyperkalemia may develop.

In mild cases, there may be no symptoms at all. In more severe situations, high potassium can affect muscle function and interfere with the heart’s normal electrical activity.

The Common Kitchen Item Many People Overlook

The product that often surprises people is potassium-based salt substitute.

Many people trying to reduce sodium replace regular table salt with low-sodium or sodium-free salt substitutes.

Instead of sodium chloride, many of these products use potassium chloride.

For most healthy individuals, this may not present a problem. However, for people taking losartan or lisinopril, adding large amounts of potassium through salt substitutes may increase the risk of elevated blood potassium levels.

Salt substitutes aren’t the only hidden source of potassium. Several everyday products may also contribute more potassium than many people realize.