A clinical trial published in the Journal of Internal Medicine has revealed significant health benefits from moderate salt restriction in patients treated for primary aldosteronism, a condition that leads to secondary hypertension.
The trial shows that the combination of salt restriction with a dedicated smartphone app to monitor progress led to reduced blood pressure and fewer depressive symptoms, without any detectable side effects.
Primary Aldosteronism and Hypertension
Primary aldosteronism is a hormonal condition where the adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone, contributing to secondary hypertension.
Patients with this condition and high dietary salt intake face a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with hypertension due to other causes.
Currently, the main treatment involves the use of mineralocorticoid antagonists, but these medications do not fully mitigate the elevated cardiovascular risks.
About the Trial
The Salt CONNtrol trial was a non-randomized, single-arm study that included 41 patients undergoing standard medical treatment for primary aldosteronism. Researchers assessed the impact of moderate salt restriction on these patients.
Key Findings
- Moderate salt restriction led to reduced blood pressure.
- Patients also experienced fewer depressive symptoms.
- No adverse effects were detected as a result of salt restriction.
- A smartphone app used for continuous motivation enhanced the antihypertensive effect.
Implications
According to the corresponding author, Christian Adolf, MD, of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the findings suggest that “a moderate dietary salt restriction is feasible and has a strong antihypertensive effect in patients with primary aldosteronism.”
These results could not only improve care for patients with primary aldosteronism but may also be applicable to subgroups of patients suffering from essential hypertension.
The results of the Salt CONNtrol trial pave the way for further research into the role of dietary interventions in managing hypertension, specifically in patients with hormonal imbalances like primary aldosteronism.
Additional trials could also assess the long-term effects and sustainability of salt restriction in broader patient populations.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential benefits of lifestyle modification, such as salt restriction, in managing complex health conditions.
It also highlights the role of technology, like smartphone apps, in supporting behavioral changes that lead to improved health outcomes.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about how diets could help lower high blood pressure, and 3 grams of omega-3s a day keep high blood pressure at bay.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that beetroot juice could help reduce blood pressure, and results showing cinnamon could help lower high blood pressure.
The study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine
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