Sodium reduction and salt substitutes: impact on blood pressure and recurrent stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The health effects of dietary sodium and dietary potassium intake in mitigating blood pressure (BP) are a focus of research. This review summarizes recent findings of these health effects and the effectiveness of potassium-enriched salt substitutes on the risk for and recurrence of cardiovascular events. RECENT FINDINGS: Salt substitution is an emerging sodium reduction strategy that may prove to be more beneficial in lowering BP and reducing risk for recurrent stroke compared with alternative low-sodium diets. However, careful consideration is required for patients with impaired renal function or on specific renal physiology-modulating pharmacotherapies. SUMMARY: Low sodium substitutes have proven to be more efficacious and practical in lowering BP and preventing stroke or recurrence of stroke than alternative low-sodium diets. This salt reduction strategy holds promising value in reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease.