Salt intake and blood pressure in humans

Abundant evidence exists to link the dietary intake of sodium to the development of high blood pressure and the potential occurrence of cardiovascular consequences including stroke, congestive heart failure and other forms of cardiovascular disease as well as renal failure. Not all individuals are sensitive to the blood pressure-raising effects of sodium. Genetic or acquired factors may determine an individual's ability to handle the sodium load. In sodium-sensitive hypertensives, modest dietary sodium restriction is beneficial in both reducing blood pressure and in controlling the elevated pressure with medication. A role for potassium and/or calcium with respect to the effects of sodium is an intriguing area of current inquiry.