[Sodium intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular events].

High dietary salt intake increases blood pressure and impairs cardiovascular health in the long-run. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have argued for a target of 1500-2000mg of sodium per day (4-5 g sodium chloride daily). However, this recommendation is accompanied by a growing criticism. Recently, two papers published in the New England Journal of Medicine and a meta-analysis published in the September issue of the American Journal of Hypertension have flared up the "salt controversy". This paper presents an overview of recent study results.