Researchers at the University of Alabama have recently informed that too much salt contributes to resistant high blood pressure, even though medication to keep the condition under control is being taken.

Dr. Eduardo Pimenta, from the Department of Hypertension and Nephrology at the Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology in Sao Paulo, Brazil, along with his team, looked at a number of 13 high blood pressure patients who had previously undergone either a high or a low salt diet. All of them were taking three different blood pressure drugs.

Results of the study showed that systolic blood pressure dropped by 22.6 mmHg in the patients that were on the low salt diet, while their diastolic blood pressure decreased by 9.2 mmHg. Moreover, both their brain natriuretic peptide levels and their thoracic fluid content registered a significant increase, which indicates fluid reduction in the body. Pimenta stated that the reduction in blood pressure was, in some cases, higher than the one antihypertensive medication causes.

Professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles Gregg C. Fonarow revealed that salt restriction has undeniable beneficial effects, both lowering blood pressure and improving vascular function by reducing intravascular fluid retention. Clinical trials have showed that following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan, along with consuming less salt (a recommended 1,500 milligrams per day) can successfully contribute to decreasing high blood pressure.

Hypertension is a medical condition in which a patient’s blood pressure is chronically elevated. In adults over the age of 18, the normal blood pressure levels are below 120 mmHg (systolic blood pressure) and below 80 mmHg (diastolic).