Sodium and blood pressure 2003.
OBJECTIVE
In view of the ongoing controversy about the importance of dietary sodium intake in blood pressure control, consideration of the most recent findings in this area is useful.


RESULTS
New observations regarding the relation between salt intake and its reduction on blood pressure have emerged. Evidence regarding physiologic factors associated with the increased sensitivity of blood pressure to salt and the relation of this increased sensitivity to other cardiovascular disease risk factors and disorders of end-organ function have been reported. Several meta-analyses and assessments of the impact of interventions on the global risk of cardiovascular disease have also been presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Compelling evidence of the role of salt intake on blood pressure and on other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as well as new information regarding the feasibility of reducing salt intake, call for renewed efforts in this area as a major influence in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Weinberger
Myron H
MH
Department of Medicine, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. mweinbe@IUPUI.edu
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015777:Eicosanoids / Q000378:metabolism; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D015777:Eicosanoids; D005227:Fatty Acids; D012982:Sodium, Dietary