CORRELATION BETWEEN SALT SENSITIVITY AND BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY IN PRE-HYPERTENSIVE ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Salt sensitivity is recognized as a significant modifier of blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. However, its relationship with daily blood pressure variability (BPV) in pre-hypertensive adults remains underexplored.

Objective: To investigate the association between dietary salt sensitivity and 24-hour blood pressure variability among pre-hypertensive individuals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 pre-hypertensive adults aged 18–45 years. Participants underwent a standardized low-sodium and high-sodium dietary intervention to determine salt sensitivity, defined as a ≥10 mmHg change in mean arterial pressure. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over 24 hours was used to assess systolic and diastolic BPV. Pearson’s correlation and multivariate regression analyses, adjusting for age, BMI, smoking status, and baseline BP, were utilized to explore relationships.

Results: Forty-five participants (45%) were identified as salt-sensitive. Salt-sensitive individuals exhibited significantly higher 24-hour systolic (15.2 ± 3.9 mmHg) and diastolic BP variability (11.6 ± 2.7 mmHg) compared to salt-resistant individuals (11.4 ± 3.1 mmHg and 8.5 ± 2.2 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation demonstrated a moderate positive relationship between salt sensitivity and systolic (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and diastolic BPV (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed salt sensitivity as an independent predictor of both systolic (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) and diastolic BPV (β = 0.36, p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Salt sensitivity is significantly associated with greater daily blood pressure variability in pre-hypertensive adults. Early identification and targeted sodium reduction strategies in salt-sensitive individuals may offer a practical approach to stabilize blood pressure patterns and reduce cardiovascular risk.