Cations in essential hypertension.

Sodium intake has been linked to the development and perpetuation of hypertension for almost a century. Nevertheless, considerable controversy over this relationship remain. More recently, the other major body cations, potassium, calcium and magnesium, have also been implicated. The evidence relating dietary sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium intake to hypertension is summarized, and the present evidence for dietary modification of cation intake in the treatment of mild essential hypertension is evaluated.