Less salt intake or more salt excretion: is hypertension preventable?

Hypertension is preventable by modification of the common source (i.e., sodium chloride) and by prevention of weight gain and increased consumption of "good" nutrients. Unfortunately, the necessary societal changes are unlikely to occur. Individual behavioral approaches are weak. A pharmacologic approach as a "crutch" for our unsuccessful control of a "common source" epidemic may work and have a major impact on morbidity and mortality due to hypertensive diseases. Once-a-day diuretics may be a better health dose than once-a-day vitamins for our nutrient-rich society. (c)2001 by Le Jacq Communications, Inc.