Salt intake, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular risk. Part II
The paper is focused on salt intake reduction and the subsequent cardiovascular risk reduction. The results of international, multi-centre randomised prospective clinical studies are analysed, summarizing the evidence obtained in the second half of the 20th century and the early 21st century. It has been demonstrated that decreased salt intake results in blood pressure reduction among both healthy people and patients with arterial hypertension. It is also associated with cardiovascular risk reduction and lower levels of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The potential risk of adverse effects is relatively small and should not prevent salt intake reduction. The evidence-based recommendations on salt intake are presented.