title: Effect of sodium restriction on blood pressure of unstable or uncontrolled hypertensive patients in primary care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of the present study are: 1) to quantify sodium consumption of patients with unstable or uncontrolled hypertension, 2) to investigate if reduced sodium intake can lower BP in these patients, and 3), to assess the acceptability and feasibility of this approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 25 adults (age: 50+ years) with frequently elevated BP or patients with uncontrolled, uncomplicated hypertension despite drug treatment in a general practice setting. BP and salt intake (24h urinary excretion and food records) were measured at baseline and after a sodium reduced diet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean (± SD) systolic (SBP) over diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (mmHg) at baseline was 150.7 (± 9.5)/84.149 (± 5.6). Mean urinary sodium excretion was 146 mmol/24h. A reduction of 28 mmol sodium excretion decreased SBP/DBP to 135.5 (± 13.0)/82.5 (± 12.8) (P < 0.001). After one month of no dietary advice, only in 48%, SBP was still ≤140 mmHg.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assessment of sodium intake using food records, 24h urine collections and probing questions to identify use of sodium containing supplements or drugs are essential for tailored advice targeted at sodium intake reduction. The results of the present study indicate that reduced sodium intake can lower BP after 4 weeks in unstable or uncontrolled hypertensive patients.
authors: Department of Bio- and food sciences, University College Ghent, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. ; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Willem
authors: W
authors: De Keyzer
authors: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Katrien
authors: K
authors: Tilleman
authors: General practice Vossensteert Sint-Jozef, B-8000 Bruges, Belgium.
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Ampe
authors: Department of Bio- and food sciences, University College Ghent, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. ; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Stefaan
authors: S
authors: De Henauw
authors: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Inge
authors: I
authors: Huybrechts
keywords: Blood pressure; dietary; hypertension; primary care; salt reduction; sodium