New research has found that lower salt intake significantly reduces the blood pressure of those who are already being treated for hypertension (high blood pressure).
For every 3g of salt reduction, researchers observed an approximate decrease of 3.5mmHg in systolic blood pressure. Additionally, a 2mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed.
Action on Salt reached these findings through a comprehensive review of 35 clinical trials. The research group said the results provide ‘strong evidence that salt reduction remains an effective strategy for managing blood pressure’.
Individuals included within the trials were already taking drugs for raised blood pressure. The effect of reducing salt intake was found to vary depending on the type of drug administered.
The most significant blood pressure reduction was seen in patients taking beta blockers, RAAS inhibitors or combination therapy including diuretics. Those on calcium channel blockers or diuretics alone experienced a smaller fall in blood pressure.
Action on Salt said the findings were consistent with previous research involving individuals who were not undergoing treatment. The researchers said this underscores the ‘universal benefit’ of a reduction in salt intake.
Public health benefits of reduced salt intake
Alongside benefits for individual health, Action on Salt said that reducing salt consumption was advantageous for broader public health.
Action on Salt chair Graham MacGregor said: ‘Reducing salt intake is not just beneficial, but essential for managing high blood pressure, even in patients already on drugs. Both public health policymakers and clinicians should prioritise salt reduction strategies, which could lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health and a reduction in the need for drugs.’
Pauline Swift, chair of Blood Pressure UK, added: ‘Reducing salt intake is the most cost-effective way to lower blood pressure and prevent deaths and disabilities from stroke, heart and kidney disease. Each 1g-per-day reduction in population salt intake could save over 4,000 premature deaths annually, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.’
Dr Swift also called for the government to intervene against salt levels in the food industry. She said: ‘It’s imperative that our new government assists the public in cutting salt consumption by enforcing strict targets to compel the food industry to use less salt in their products.’
This appeal was supported by the Action on Salt researchers. Jing Song is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Research Action on Salt and Obesity Unit at Queen Mary University. She said: ‘Incorporating salt reduction into the routine care of individuals with high blood pressure reinforces the significance of public health initiatives aimed at lowering salt consumption across the population.’
Blood pressure tests during dental appointments
This comes as NHS England has announced a trial scheme to incorporate blood pressure checks into NHS dental and optometry appointments. A successful pilot scheme was carried out by local clinical teams in London and Yorkshire. The trial will now be expanded to more locations across England. The NHS estimates that the full scheme will be operational within the coming months.
The blood pressure checks will be delivered by 15 local integrated care boards during dentist and optometrist appointments. Six will focus solely on delivering tests at the dentist, five at the optometrist and four at both.
More than 60 clinical practices will trial the new approach. The NHS said this will broaden access to screenings for those who otherwise have no contact with the NHS. It is estimated that 100,000 additional blood pressure checks will be delivered in the next 12 months.
Lowering blood pressure is known to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, kidney disease and vascular dementia. According to the NHS, the only way to identify high blood pressure is through a blood pressure test.
Helen Williams is national clinical director for cardiovascular disease prevention for the NHS. She said: ‘These convenient checks at dentists and optometrists will enable thousands of people to monitor their blood pressure and could potentially be life-saving.
‘Many otherwise healthy people over 40 only visit their GP when they’re feeling unwell. Offering these vital checks as part of routine dentist or eye test appointments means we can support more people.’
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