Salt, the kidneys, and arterial hypertension. Acta Clin Belg 2007;62(5):348-57
Date
01/31/2008Pubmed ID
18229470DOI
10.1179/acb.2007.053Scopus ID
2-s2.0-37149031811 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
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.
Author List
Krzesinski JM, Cohen EPMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Blood PressureDisease Progression
Humans
Hypertension
Kidney
Risk Factors
Sodium Chloride
Sodium, Dietary