Dietary electrolytes and hypertension in the elderly.
The effect of age on older hypertensive patient's blood pressure response to increased sodium intake is well known. Salt sensitivity which does increase with age and the decrease in renal function limiting the ability of aged kidney to excrete sodium load are major factors, responsible for rise in blood pressure during Na consumption in the elderly. Clinical studies encourage salt reduction with and without weight loss. Although potassium consumption is highly recommended, one should be aware of potassium overload in the elderly.
Rosenthal
T
T
Hypertension Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. trosenth@sheba.health.gov.il
Shamiss
A
A
Holtzman
E
E
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
D012982:Sodium, Dietary