Increased dietary intake of minerals including potassium, magnesium and calcium could reduce the risk of high blood pressure and help manage symptoms of hypertension, a new report shows.

Findings published in the latest issue of the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, indicate that those who follow a vegetarian diet, high in potassium and low in sodium, are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease.

According to the report, Americans consume double the amount of sodium and approximately half of the potassium that is recommended by current guidelines.

Author of the study, Dr Mark C Houston, commented: "If we were to achieve the correct potassium/sodium ratio through dietary means, there would be less hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the population as a whole."

The research suggests that if Americans increased their potassium intake, the number of adults with known hypertension and blood pressure levels higher than 140/90 mm Hg may fall by over ten per cent, increasing life expectancy.

It is estimated that over 70 million people in the US suffer from hypertension, and 90 per cent of adults are expected to develop hypertension by the age of 65.