Sodium Intake as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: A Narrative Review.
Nutrients
; 13(9)2021 Sep 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34579054
ABSTRACT
While sodium is essential for human homeostasis, current salt consumption far exceeds physiological needs. Strong evidence suggests a direct causal relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure (BP) and a modest reduction in salt consumption is associated with a meaningful reduction in BP in hypertensive as well as normotensive individuals. Moreover, while long-term randomized controlled trials are still lacking, it is reasonable to assume a direct relationship between sodium intake and cardiovascular outcomes. However, a consensus has yet to be reached on the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of sodium intake reduction on an individual level. Beyond indirect BP-mediated effects, detrimental consequences of high sodium intake are manifold and pathways involving vascular damage, oxidative stress, hormonal alterations, the immune system and the gut microbiome have been described. Globally, while individual response to salt intake is variable, sodium should be perceived as a cardiovascular risk factor when consumed in excess. Reduction of sodium intake on a population level thus presents a potential strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide. In this review, we provide an update on the consequences of salt intake on human health, focusing on BP and cardiovascular outcomes as well as underlying pathophysiological hypotheses.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Sodium, Dietary
/
Heart Disease Risk Factors
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Etiology_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Nutrients
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Switzerland