HYPERTENSION

In the simplest of terms, hypertension is high blood pressure. Hypertension is a chronic condition that affects the population on an individual level and national level. Let's look at both cases:

On the individual level, one in three Americans suffer from hypertension. Ninety to ninety-five percent of the time, the cause of essential/primary hypertension is idiopathic – meaning the cause is unknown. Among the hypertensive population, 50% of deaths are due to the consequences of hypertension. Long-term risks of hypertension include stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.

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On a national level, hypertension is a longstanding financial dilemma. According to the Center for Disease Control, the annual budget for hypertension is $300 billion in the United States alone, compared to the $132 billion for the diabetic population.

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Our National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study looks beyond hypertension at a component of blood pressure called salt sensitivity. Some individuals experience greater blood pressure changes in accordance with their salt intake. Salt sensitivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular health complications separate from hypertension.

SALT SENSITIVITY

Our National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study looks beyond hypertension at a component of blood pressure called salt sensitivity. Some individuals experience greater blood pressure changes in accordance with their salt intake. Salt sensitivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular health complications separate from hypertension.