A 46-year-old member asked:
Why is it bad for a person with high blood pressure to eat a lot of salt?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Joseph Woodsanswered
Pathology 30 years experience
Fluid retention.: Salt causes fluid retention because the sodium is higher and it causes the serum osmolality to be higher, which brings in more water to the vessels of the body. This makes the blood pressure higher and the body must excrete more fluid to get it lower. So salt intake must be minimal. It also helps to give a diuretic as this increases urine exretion and so lowers blood pressure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 25, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.