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.