Editorial

The relationship between sodium (Na) intake and human health indicators has been investigated in observational studies and randomized, controlled trials. The most extensive body of information details the relationship between Na and blood pressure (BP). High BP was identified as the leading risk factor, among 67 studied, for worldwide mortality and disability adjusted life years.1 It is also 1 of the best surrogate markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially stroke.2 Consistent with previous reports, 3 recent meta-analyses of randomized, controlled trials identified significant declines in BP after a reduction in Na intake.3–5 The decrements in BP were greater in those with higher starting levels of BP, more successful intervention, older age, and African-American ethnicity. In the 2 meta-analyses with greatest relevance for clinical practice and public health, Na reduction was associ-ated with a small but expected physiological increase in ele