Sodium sensitivity of blood pressure.

A variety of techniques have been used by different investigators to characterize blood pressure responses to changes in sodium balance. Despite the arbitrary nature of the definition of salt sensitivity, many of these studies have demonstrated consistency in the factors associated with the heterogeneous responses to the methods used. This review surveys current approaches to the assessment of blood pressure responsivity to alterations in sodium and extracellular fluid balance in normotensive as well as hypertensive humans. In addition, new observations related to the possible mechanisms involved are highlighted.