Salt consumption and arterial hypertension: Are there reasons to change point of view?

The review presents modem data on interrelationships between sodium consumption, blood pressure level, and risk of cardiovascular complications. Phenomenon of salt sensitivity and methods of its detection are described. Results of epidemiological and interventional studies are used as a basis for formulation of populational strategy of limitation of sodium consumption. Possibilities of antihypertensive therapy with natriuretic effect are also presented.