Hypertension And The Prevention Of Cardiovascular Disease

Title: Salt Restriction in Hypertension and the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Affiliation: Medical University of the Americas Author: Asma Islam 59-55 47th Ave Apt. 9C Woodside NY, 11377 1(347) 679- 6942 iislamasma2@aol.com Mentor: Dr. Sandeep Kacker Article Word Count: 5, 690 Hypothesis: Dietary sodium reduction aids in preventing future cardiovascular disease in those with hypertension Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................3-4 Introduction.....................................................................................................................5-7†¦show more content†¦Key words were used as a way to search for studies. Studies that were outdated, had subjects with comorbidities or had inconclusive results were excluded. The articles chosen focused specifically on just salt restriction and its effects throughout the vasculature. The studies included randomized control studies, cohort studies, and meta analyses. Results: A look into several studies showed positive effects on various aspects that eventually lead to reduced cardiovascular disease. Large elastic artery compliance increased with salt reduction interventions. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis decreased on rats that were put on a reduced salt diet. Endothelial damage, a major indicator of cardiovascular disease, was shown to be reduced through salt restriction. A meta-analysis found that long term sodium reduction lowered risk of cardiovascular disease in both hypertensives and normotensives. Conclusion: Through the various studies it is obvious to see that something as small as altering the amount of salt eaten daily can aid in reducing future incidences and costs of not only high blood pressure but also incidences of cardiovascular diseases. Abstract Word Count: 202 Keywords: hypertension, salt restriction, age, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, salt sensitive, salt resistant, resistant hypertension, renin, angiotensin Ultramini Abstract: This paper takes a look into scholarly articles