Sodium restriction in the treatment of hypertension

There is a need for nonpharmacologic approaches to hypertension treatment, particularly in those patients with mild elevations in blood pressure. Evidence suggests that development of hypertension is related to excess sodium ingestion in many people and that sodium restriction provides simple, safe, and effective therapy. Dietary sodium restriction should be considered as initial and adjunctive therapy for hypertensive persons, particularly those who are receiving thiazide diuretics. Although validated methods of estimating dietary sodium intake are not yet established, overnight urinary collections provide a convenient approach. Chemical chloride strips may greatly facilitate compliance.