Salt sensitivity as a predictor of hypertension

Abstract

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure can be identified in half of the hypertensive population and one-fourth of normotensive subjects. Salt sensitivity of blood pressure is especially frequent in normotensives from subpopulations known to have a higher frequency of hypertension, such as blacks, older subjects, and first-degree relatives of hypertensives, suggesting a link between salt and the subsequent development of hypertension. A variety of associated markers of salt sensitivity has been described. Recent studies also link calcium and salt sensitivity of blood pressure.