Nearly everyone can lower their blood pressure by reducing their daily salt intake, according to a major new study. Researchers say this includes patients who are already taking blood pressure-lowering medications.
In the study, researchers randomly assigned 213 middle-aged to elderly adults to follow either a high-sodium or low-sodium diet for one week. After that week, the participants switched to the opposite diet plan for another week. Throughout the study, participants wore blood pressure monitors and collected their urine for testing after each session.
The results were significant. Seventy-two percent of the participants experienced a notable reduction in their blood pressure when they followed the low-salt diet, regardless of whether they were already on blood pressure medications. Specifically, their systolic blood pressure, or the upper number, was seven to eight points lower when on the low-salt diet compared to the high-salt diet. Compared to their usual diet, the decrease was an average of six points.
High blood pressure is a major health concern. One investigator noted that the fact blood pressure dropped so significantly in just one week and was well-tolerated underscores the potential public health impact of reducing dietary sodium. Currently, high blood pressure is the leading cause of illness and death worldwide.
