Salt restriction, a sceptic's viewpoint.

In the light of the proposal that dietary salt intake should be reduced as a community health care measure designed to lower blood pressure and consequently mortality and morbidity from stroke and heart disease, the evidence that there is a link between salt intake and blood pressure is reviewed. In addition the effects of salt restriction on mild hypertension are surveyed as is the feasibility of sustaining a community-based campaign to reduce salt intake. It is concluded that whilst it would be possible to mount a concerted health care programme directed towards lowering the salt intake of the general population the benefits in terms of blood pressure would be extremely small. The impact on stroke and heart disease is unknown and possible adverse effects have not been examined.