A mathematical model of the blood pressure response to salt intake

Abstract

Mathematical modeling is an invaluable tool for understanding the operation of complex physiological systems such as those regulating blood pressure (BP). While high salt intake has been implicated as a contributor to the development of essential hypertension, the dynamics and underlying mechanisms of salt‐induced hypertension remain unclear. Mathematical modeling of the BP response to changes in salt intake can provide better understanding of the mechanisms and time scales involved in the development of hypertension. Here we present our development of a mathematical model of the dynamics of salt‐induced hypertension. Model structure development was guided by general physiological principles combined with the need to adequately account for the dynamics of the original data. Model parameters were determined using numerical techniques and data from a number of experimental protocols involving Dahl salt‐sensitive and salt‐resistant rats. Our results suggest that salt‐induced hypertension may be modeled as a combination of several components, including (a) a rapid reversible effect of salt on BP, (b) a slow and irreversible component which may represent the effect of accumulating damage (renal lesions or vascular changes), (c) compensatory dynamics opposing BP increase. Our model may provide some insight into the etiology and epidemiology of salt related hypertension and its prevention. Funded by IRCSET.