Improved arterial distensibility in normotensive subjects on a low salt diet.

Abstract

Arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), a noninvasive index of arterial distensibility, was measured in 57 normotensive subjects who followed a voluntary low salt diet for a period ranging from 8 months to 5 years (mean, 24.8 months). Subjects who followed a regular diet were matched for age and mean arterial pressure with the low salt (LS) sample and were used as controls (C). For both samples, subjects were divided into three age groups: Group 1 (aged 2 to 19 years, n = 16), Group 2 (29 to 44 years, n = 26), and Group 3 (45 to 66 years, n = 15). There was a marked increase in aortic PWV with age in the control sample but not in the LS sample. There was no significant difference in aortic PWV for Group 1, but in Groups 2 and 3, the LS subjects showed a decrease of 21.8% and 22.7%, respectively, compared to C subjects. Aortic PWV (cm/sec) was: Group 1: C = 581 (SE 44), LS = 614 (SE 31); Group 2: C = 942 (SE 46); LS = 737 (SE 27) (p < 0.001); Group 3: C = 958 (SE 77), LS = 741 (SE 25) (p < 0.05)). Arm and leg PWV were also significantly lower in the older age groups. These findings suggest that normotensive adult subjects who follow a low salt diet (mean intake, 44 mmol Na/24 hours) have reduced arterial stiffness and that the effect is independent of blood pressure. This is prima facie evidence that reduced salt intake has a beneficial effect in improving distensibility of the central aorta and large peripheral arteries, which is independent of its antihypertensive action.

Weight Change Is Associated With Change in Arterial Stiffness Among Healthy Young Adults

“…28 Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness, 29 as has a low-salt diet. 30 Additionally, we have previously shown in this same population a strong relationship between obesity and larger arterial diameters and wall thickening. 31 Dilation and wall thickening may predispose the arteries of obese individuals to more rapid arterial stiffening.…”

Relation of aortic stiffness to factors modifying the risk of atherosclerosis in healthy people.

“…The studies of Avolio et al 9 - 27 have suggested that people with a low sodium intake may have less stiff aortas than those consuming salt in higher amounts.,In our study, the association of aortic stiffness with salt intake was more complex because the regression was modified by the level of blood pressure. As Fig 3 shows, the association of aortic elastic modulus with habitual sodium intake was strongly positive in people with low mean blood pressure but faded away in people with blood pressure that was higher but still within the normotensive range.…”

Effects of salt substitute on pulse wave analysis among individuals at high cardiovascular risk in rural China: a randomized controlled trial

“…Prior small scale intervention studies of effects of dietary sodium restriction shows that salt intake is associated with arterial stiffness 16,22 and the study done by Stewart et al 23 shows that acute reduction of blood pressure by nitroglycerin normalizes large artery stiffness in normortensives but does not normalize that in essential hypertension, suggesting that the latter group requires long-term intervention to change arterial stiffness. Studies of pharmacological blood pressure lowering interventions have also shown the similar effects.…”

“…Salt substitutes with reduced sodium and increased potassium substantially lower blood pressure. [13][14][15] There are some limited data to suggest that long-term consumption of a diet low in salt may reduce arterial stiffness independent of blood pressure reduction 16 although data from high-risk individuals with existing vascular disease are few. There are also data showing positive correlations of sodium intake 17 and negative correlations of potassium intake 18 with arterial stiffness providing a strong rationale for beneficial effects of salt substitution beyond blood pressure lowering although once again data about effects in high-risk individuals are limited.…”