In April 2020 researchers from Italy published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the effect of salt on central blood pressure which is significantly associated with cardiovascular risk. Central blood pressure is the pressure in the ascending aorta, which originates from the left ventricle of the heart. A total of 14 studies, involving 457 individuals, met the search criteria and were included in the review. Results showed that salt restriction was associated with a significant reduction in the central systolic blood pressure and central pulse pressure. However, peripheral blood pressure changes were seen to partially interfere with the relationship between salt restriction and central blood pressure.
D’Elia L et al Effect of dietary salt restriction on central blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the intervention studies. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2020 Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print]