Does implementing a low sodium diet decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension?

Abstract

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER Not likely. Advice to lower sodium has not been found to decrease cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality (SOR: B, meta-analysis of underpowered RCTs). High dietary sodium is associated with a higher risk of stroke, fatal stroke, and coronary artery disease mortality (SOR: B, meta-analysis of cohort studies). Decreased sodium intake lowers systolic blood pressure (SBP) by up to 3.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by up to 1.8 mmHg (SOR: C, metaanalysis of RCTs with disease-oriented outcomes).