Skip to main content

Salt Sensitivity

Meaning

Salt sensitivity is a physiological phenomenon defined by a significant, measurable change in systemic blood pressure in response to variations in dietary sodium intake, identifying a subset of individuals particularly susceptible to hypertension. In the context of hormonal regulation, this sensitivity is often mediated by the precise balance of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which controls fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Clinically, identifying salt sensitivity is crucial for personalized lifestyle and pharmacological interventions aimed at preventing cardiovascular morbidity, which is intricately linked to endocrine health.