Blood Pressure-Lowering Medications, Sodium Reduction, and Blood Pressure.

BACKGROUND

Both blood pressure-lowering medication and sodium reduction are effective in hypertension control, but whether the effect of sodium reduction differ across blood pressure-lowering medications is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the dose-response effect of sodium intake reduction on blood pressure in treated hypertensive individuals and the impact of different classes of blood pressure-lowering drugs.

METHODS

We searched multiple databases and reference lists up to July 9, 2024. Randomized controlled trials with a duration of ≥2 weeks comparing the effect of different levels of sodium intake (measured by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion) on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals treated with constant blood pressure-lowering medications were included. Instrumental variable meta-analyses based on random-effects models were conducted to evaluate the dose effect of sodium reduction on blood pressure. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the class of blood pressure-lowering drugs, age, baseline sodium and blood pressure levels, and study duration.

RESULTS

We included 35 studies (median duration of 28 days) with a total of 2885 participants. For every 100 mmol reduction in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, systolic blood pressure decreased by 6.81 mm Hg (95% CI, 4.96-8.66), diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3.85 mm Hg (95% CI, 2.26-5.43), and mean arterial pressure decreased by 4.83 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.22-6.44). The dose-response effects varied across classes of blood pressure-lowering medications, with greater effects observed in the β-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and dual therapy groups. No significant subgroup differences were observed across subgroups defined by age, baseline 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, blood pressure levels, or study duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Pooled evidence suggests a dose-response relationship between sodium reduction and blood pressure in treated individuals with hypertension, influenced by the class of blood pressure-lowering medications.