Heart Health

Salt sensitivity: Sorting out the science

Eating too much salt usually boosts blood pressure, but not in everyone. Understanding the genetic basis of these differences may improve treatment of high blood pressure.

h0819c16207259427784Do you know someone who eats lots of salty food — pizza, pickles, pretzels, and the like — but has naturally low blood pressure? That person may be salt-resistant, which means his or her blood pressure doesn't rise very much in response to a diet high in salt (sodium chloride). In contrast, other people are salt-sensitive, which means their blood pressure rises by 5 points or more if they switch from a low-sodium to a high-sodium diet.

Unfortunately, there isn't an easy test to determine who is salt-sensitive, says endocrinologist Dr. Gordon Williams, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Still, we know that Americans eat far more salt than they actually need, so it makes sense to advise everyone cut back on salt," he says.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.