Salt, the kidneys, and arterial hypertension.
The kidneys play a major role in the regulation of the salt balance and thereby regulate blood pressure. Salt sensitivity is acquired or genetically-induced and is noted in about 50% of patients with essential hypertension. This property leads to a high cardiovascular risk. In this situation, the benefit of salt restriction is significant, and this dietary change should be associated with a high potassium intake. In patients treated by antihypertensive drugs, salt restriction improves the blood pressure control, which can permit a reduction of the number of drugs required to achieve a normal blood pressure. The recommended maximal salt intake should not exceed 6 grams/day (NaCl). Because most dietary salt comes from processed foods, the help of the food industry is crucial for a long-term compliance with a reduced salt intake, which could yield an additional important benefit in the reduction of cardiovascular risk.
Krzesinski
J-M
JM
Division of Nephrology/Transplantation, University of Liège, Sart Tilman B35 Belgium. jm.krzesinski@chu.ulg.ac.be
Cohen
E P
EP
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000378:metabolism*; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects*
D012982:Sodium, Dietary; D012965:Sodium Chloride