Evaluation of Salt Sensitivity in Young Adults

Since salt sensitivity at an early age is associated with subsequent hypertension and an increase in mortality, intervention by lifestyle modification including the reduction of sodium intake could prevent subsequent increases in blood pressure and development of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and death. It would therefore be beneficial to have a simple method of identifying salt sensitive young adults so that risk factor modification can be achieved to prevent progression of the effects of hypertension on heart function.

This study is a longitudinal pilot study to identify characteristics of salt sensitive young adults so that this population of people can be identified early on and appropriate lifestyle modifications can be made to prevent the subsequent progression of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The study will be conducted at 2 visits separated by one week. At the first visit, eligible subjects will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding childhood and current sodium intake.Subjects will be asked about family history of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Subjects will also undergo blood pressure measurement in both arm, and will provide a blood sample and spot urine sample. Subjects will then be asked to take salt pills 3 times a day for one week, and then return to the study center for a repeat of the above measurements.

Inclusion criteria

• Young adults age 21-30
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Any cardiovascular or other chronic health problem
• Chronic medications besides oral contraceptive pills in women
• BMI>30kg/m2
• Blood pressure >140/90 mmHg
• Inability or unwillingness to adhere to study procedures