Clinical reviews
← vista completaPublished on February 1, 2012 | http://doi.org/10.5867/medwave.2012.02.5303
Analysis of experimental evidence that shows adverse effects of salt and its relation to hypertension
Análisis de la evidencia experimental que muestra efectos nocivos de la sal y su relación con la hipertensión arterial
Abstract
The study by Taylor et al published in June 2010 in the American Journal of Hypertension questions the effectiveness of reducing salt intake in the diet in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. The publication of this article has lead to great controversy and medical associations and learned societies responded promptly. The response criticized the results of the meta-analysis and pointed out its methodological shortcomings. In this review we critically appraise the experimental evidence that shows the importance of diet salt intake and its role as a determinant of blood pressure. We briefly describe the paradigm that explains the role of salt intake in contributing in the regulation of blood pressure (Guyton hypothesis and model) and we mention the experimental evidence that supports this. We briefly comment on the classical studies that indicate that salt intake (NaCl) contributes directly to the development of high blood pressure and target tissues. Finally, we briefly mention the experimental data that is related with the controversy on the role of salt (NaCl) or sodium as prohypertensive agents.
