Exercise attenuates the effect of high salt intake on the cardiovascular function, oxygen saturation,lung function and renal function of young men.

Salt loading had no significant effect on the pulmonary function of the control subjects. However, salt loading worsened the pulmonary function values of the exercising subjects, with FEV1, FVC, and PEFR decreased significantly by -0.05 ± 0.05 L, -0.003 ± 0.01 L, and -20.20 ± 7.11 L/min, respectively, without affecting oxygen saturation (SPO2) and FEV1%. Salt loading caused a greater increase in the blood pressure parameters of the non-exercising subjects, with systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure significantly increased by 18.00 ± 2.04 mmHg, 11.90 ± 1.52 mmHg, 13.97 ± 1.98 mmHg, and 6.20 ± 0.24 mmHg, respectively. In summary, exercising subjects eliminate salt loads more effectively than the non-exercising subjects to reduce salt retention. This might be as a result of the trigger of several pathophysiological mechanisms that alter vital body functions such as respiratory function, renal function, and cardiovascular functions.