Salt Sensitivity: Impact on Blood Pressure & Heart Health
By Marina Shanafelt, MS CNS
What is salt sensitivity?
Salt sensitivity refers to a change in blood pressure of at least 5% in response to sodium intake. An estimated 30-50% of hypertensive people are salt-sensitive, and about 25% of those with normal blood pressure are also salt-sensitive.
When we consume salt, it causes a short-lived increase in blood volume which means there is a rise in blood pressure. The kidneys respond to this change and regulate the blood volume by triggering an increased release of sodium through urine, which allows blood pressure to return to normal. People who are “sodium-resistant” can match the release of sodium through urine with the amount of sodium ingested, so they experience a relatively minimal change in blood pressure. However, salt-sensitive people cannot efficiently remove excess sodium in the urine and experience a more prolonged blood pressure rise when consuming sodium.
Why does salt sensitivity matter?
Historically, humans consumed less than 1g of sodium per day, however, now many Americans consume 10x the recommended limit, which is set at around 2g of sodium per day (about 1 tsp. of salt). Consuming too much sodium, regardless of the influence on blood pressure, can contribute to kidney disease, osteoporosis, kidney stones, increased cellular damage, and can contribute to poorer heart health and cardiovascular events. Excess sodium consumption has also been linked to asthma and migraines.
How genetics influences salt sensitivity:
Genetics influences our susceptibility to salt sensitivity and how we respond to sodium in the diet.
Variations in the ACE gene influence how much angiotensin-converting enzyme we make, a key regulator of blood pressure. The ACE II genotype is associated with an increased potential for salt sensitivity and a poorer ability to regulate blood volume.
Variations in the AGT gene affect blood pressure regulation and fluid balance. The GG genotype is associated with increased salt sensitivity; carriers may respond better to a lower intake of sodium in the diet to help manage hypertension.
Managing salt sensitivity:
It’s important to know your potential for salt sensitivity as it can help you make heart-healthy choices. Even those who do not exhibit high blood pressure, but are salt-sensitive, are at an increased risk of cardiovascular events with increased sodium intake.
Managing sodium intake by consuming no more than 1-2g of sodium daily (about 1 tsp. of salt) is recommended by the World Health Organization and Institute of Medicine. Be mindful to not completely restrict sodium, as this can cause other complications. Ensuring adequate consumption of potassium-rich foods can protect against the impact of sodium on blood pressure.
Make sure to know your genetic Blueprint and work with your doctor to manage dietary and lifestyle factors to support heart health!
Key points about Salt Sensitivity
- Salt sensitivity refers to the inability to adequately excrete sodium in the urine after sodium consumption, which can cause a prolonged increase in blood pressure
- An estimated 30-50% of hypertensive people are salt-sensitive, and about 25% of those with normal blood pressure are also salt-sensitive
- Excess sodium intake can contribute to kidney disease, osteoporosis, kidney stones, increased cellular damage, and can contribute to poorer heart health and cardiovascular events. It has also been linked to asthma and migraines.
- The ACE II genotype is associated with an increased potential for salt sensitivity and a poorer ability to regulate blood volume.
- The AGT GG variant is associated with increased salt sensitivity; carriers may have a better response to reducing sodium in the diet to help manage hypertension.
- It’s important to know your potential for salt sensitivity and manage sodium intake. Ensure adequate intake of potassium-rich foods and work with a 3X4 certified practitioner to support optimal heart health!