From the Guidelines
Sodium contributes to hypertension primarily through water retention in the body, and reducing sodium intake is a crucial step in managing and preventing hypertension, as evidenced by the 2018 guideline from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 1.
Mechanism of Sodium-Induced Hypertension
When we consume excess sodium, it increases the amount of sodium in the bloodstream, which reduces the kidneys' ability to remove water from the body. This additional fluid increases blood volume, putting more pressure on blood vessel walls and raising blood pressure. Sodium also directly affects blood vessel function by making them stiffer and less responsive to signals to dilate, further increasing resistance in the circulatory system.
Impact of Sodium Reduction
Reducing sodium intake can lower blood pressure in adults with hypertension, especially in those with higher levels of blood pressure, blacks, older persons, and others who are particularly susceptible to the effects of sodium on blood pressure 1. A reduction in sodium intake of about 1,000 mg per day can result in an average reduction of 2-3 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure in non-hypertensive individuals, and even more in susceptible individuals or those on the DASH diet 1.
Recommendations for Sodium Intake
Most health organizations recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, with an ideal target of 1,500 mg for those with hypertension or at risk for it, as supported by the 2006 scientific statement from the American Heart Association 1. Reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium-rich foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise are effective strategies for managing sodium-related hypertension.
Key Strategies for Reducing Sodium Intake
Some key strategies for reducing sodium intake include:
- Choosing fresh foods and using food labels to select foods lower in sodium content
- Limiting the use of condiments and sodium-infused foods
- Using spices and low-sodium flavorings
- Controlling food portion size and avoiding or minimizing the use of salt at the table
- Dietary counseling by a nutritionist with expertise in behavior modification can also be helpful 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake
The FDA drug label mentions limited sodium intake as part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management to control high blood pressure, but it does not directly explain how sodium causes hypertension. Therefore, The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Mechanism of Sodium-Induced Hypertension
- Sodium intake can lead to hypertension due to its effects on blood pressure regulation, as noted in studies 2, 3
- High sodium intake can increase blood volume, leading to increased blood pressure, as the body tries to maintain homeostasis 3
- The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2400 mg per day for healthy adults, highlighting the importance of sodium reduction in preventing hypertension 3
Effects of Sodium Reduction on Blood Pressure
- Reducing sodium intake can lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, as shown in studies 2, 3
- A decrease in sodium intake can lead to a reduction in blood volume, resulting in lower blood pressure 3
- The combination of sodium reduction and other lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, can enhance the efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for hypertension 2
Relationship Between Sodium Intake and Hypertension
- Studies have shown that individuals with hypertension tend to have higher sodium intakes than those with normal blood pressure, although the difference may not always be significant 3
- The relationship between sodium intake and hypertension is complex, and other factors such as potassium intake, physical activity, and overall diet quality also play a role in blood pressure regulation 2, 3
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which sodium intake affects blood pressure and to develop effective strategies for reducing sodium intake and preventing hypertension 2, 3