Even modest salt intake reductions can assist in reducing blood pressure

In this study researchers examined how modest reductions in salt intake can affect blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) dramatically increases the risk of heart disease and strokes. Reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious complications. The average salt intake among the general population in the United States is 9-12 grams/day. Public health experts currently recommend limiting salt intake to an absolute maximum of 5-6 grams per day in order to reduce blood pressure. Unfortunately, many patients find drastic lifestyle modifications, such as extreme diet changes, difficult to sustain. Therefore, this study examined whether even small reductions in salt intake could help lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Researchers compared 34 trials, which included a total of 3,230 patients. In each trial, participants either continued consuming the usual amount of salt, or were asked to reduce their salt intake only modestly. On average, patients changing their diet reduced their salt intake by only 47% (consumed 4.4 fewer grams per day). Reduced salt intake was associated with a 3% drop in systolic blood pressure and a 2.4% drop in diastolic blood pressure. Among hypertensive participants (patients diagnosed with high blood pressure) diet change was associated with an even higher drop in blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 3.6% and diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 3%. Overall, blood pressure reduction was greatest among older patients and among African Americans who reduced their salt intake. Greater reduction of salt intake was associated with a greater reduction in blood pressure, however even small reductions in salt intake resulted in a significant change in blood pressure values.

This study concluded that even modest reductions in salt intake can benefit patients with high blood pressure.

Consult with your physician regarding simple diet changes that can modestly reduce salt intake and help in the management of high blood pressure.