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Sodium Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Chinese Populations

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Abstract

Clinical trials have demonstrated that a reduced intake of dietary sodium lowers blood pressure. However, blood pressure reduction in response to a decrease in dietary sodium intake varies considerably among different individuals—a phenomenon described as sodium sensitivity. The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt) study was a large family-based dietary-feeding study conducted in rural north China. This study indicated that approximately 39% of Chinese adults were sodium-sensitive. Sodium sensitivity was more common in women and in persons who were older and had higher usual blood pressure. Sodium sensitivity was also more common in individuals with higher responses to a cold pressor test and in individuals with the metabolic syndrome. Genetic factors may play an important role in determining sodium sensitivity in the Chinese population. A better understanding of the genetic and environmental determinants of sodium sensitivity has important public health and clinical implications.

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Acknowledgement

The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity is supported by research grants (U01HL072507, R01HL087263, and R01HL090682) from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Dr. Jing Chen was supported by a grant (P20-RR017659) from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

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No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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  1. Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL45, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA

    Jing Chen

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Correspondence to Jing Chen.

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Chen, J. Sodium Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Chinese Populations. Curr Hypertens Rep 12, 127–134 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-009-0088-4

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