Effects of moderate salt restriction on intralymphocytic sodium and pressor response to stress in borderline hypertension.

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Abstract
The effects of a moderate dietary salt restriction on intralymphocytic Na content and pressor response to stress (mental arithmetic, handgrip and bicycle exercise) were tested in 25 young subjects with borderline hypertension. The study was performed by a randomized, crossover, within-patient, experimental design. Diet did not significantly reduce blood pressure at rest but did so significantly in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure during stress and exercise. Variations in diastolic blood pressure induced by stimulation correlated significantly with intralymphocytic Na content both before and during low-salt diet, whereas no correlation was found in the case of systolic blood pressure and heart rate variations. Apparently, in young subjects with borderline hypertension, Na homeostasis and blood pressure regulation are somehow interrelated, and a moderate dietary salt restriction reduces both intralymphocytic Na content and pressor response to adrenergic stimulation. This could be useful in preventing the development of sustained hypertension.