Salt sensitivity in experimental animals and man

Interest has intensified in the possible role of dietary sodium in the etiology of hypertension and its management. A summary is provided of the evidence relating salt intake to hypertension from three sources: epidemiology of hypertension among societies, observations that management of hypertension is easier at lower intakes of NaCl, and observations that relate blood pressure to urinary output of sodium. The doubts raised about such a relationship are also summarized. Part of the confusion surrounding the relationship between sodium intake (or output) and blood pressure between individuals results from the interplay of other determinents: genetics (family history), weight, body mass index and Na/K ratio. These are discussed and research issues are outlined. The public policy implications of the current information and means for lowering of dietary sodium intake are discussed.