Dietary sodium restriction in heart failure and chronic kidney disease: more evidence emerges

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have shown that increased dietary sodium intake is a risk factor for high blood pressure and heart failure (HF), especially in patients with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD).1,2 Both American Heart Association and KDOQI guidelines recommend dietary restriction of sodium to <2300 mg/d (5845 mg/d NaCl) for general cardiovascular health promotion.3 Despite these guidelines, prospective randomized clinical trials have provided conflicting data in patients with HF, and there are only limited studies in patients with CKD and HF.