LOW SODIUM CHLORIDE DIETS IN HYPERTENSION: Effects on Blood Pressure

The present study was made in an attempt to evaluate the effects of restriction of dietary sodium chloride on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients. For many years, diets low in sodium chloride (salt) have been advocated as a rational measure in the treatment of arterial hypertension. Their use, however, has not been altogether accepted, although in occasional patients striking reductions in blood pressure have been reported. 1 A critical evaluation therefore seemed necessary under as controlled conditions as possible, with the effects of hospitalization, bed rest, sedation and psychotherapeutic influences eliminated so far as practicable. 2 In planning our previous study 2 and the observations reported herein, we have selected low salt regimens which can be observed by a patient at home with relative ease. During the course of this study, it soon became evident that beneficial results on the level of blood pressure did not occur in most