Cardiovascular pressure, also known as blood pressure, may be influenced by dietary salt, putting people at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and death. A new study from Vanderbilt University has discovered that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome (a protein complex involved in the inflammatory response) in immune cells can contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension.
The study used inpatient salt loading and depletion protocols to characterize participants as salt-sensitive or not. Researchers then examined study responses in participants’ blood cells.
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The NLRP3 inflammasome in a specific subtype of immune cells was found to change in salt-sensitive people. This change increased drastically with salt intake and blood pressure.
This new information shows that after consuming a salty meal, about 50% of people with hypertension will experience an exaggerated increase in blood pressure. In people with normal blood pressure, 25% of them will also have a rise in blood pressure. In elderly and African American people, the amount of people affected is even higher – up to 75%.
“The increase in blood pressure in response to salt can be significant enough to cause a heart attack, stroke, and even sudden cardiac death, yet it’s undiagnosed and goes untreated. It’s a silent killer,” said Annet Kirabo, DVM, MSc, Ph.D., senior author of the study.
Researchers hope this study will lead to the development of a blood test for salt sensitivity to blood pressure. If people know the true risks of table salt, they may be more inclined to reduce their consumption.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently high. High blood pressure can be harmful because it strains the heart and cardiovascular system and can also damage the organs in the body, leading to several health problems.
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Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
