Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure

Abstract

Epidemiologic data have demonstrated signifcant but weak relation between salt intake and hypertension. Blood pressure response to alterations in salt intake is heterogenous both among normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Salt sensitivity can be defined as an increase in blood pressure response to high sodium intake. This article addresses different established criteria and methodology of sodium sensitivity assessment. Salt sensitivity can be found approximately in 20% of normotensive and in 50% of hypertensive subjects and is more common in older, obese, diabetics and blacks. Pathogenesis of salt sensitivity phenomenon still remains unclear and responsible mechanisms are complex. Salt sensitivity is associated with abnormal hemodynamic response to NaCI loading and with abnormalities in natriuresis, sympathetic nervous system activity, hormonal function and cellular ionic transport. Data relating salt sensitivity to these disturbed mechanisms are summarized in the article.