People with pre-hypertension (blood pressures higher than 120/80 but lower than 139/89) and those with established hypertension (140/90 and above) vary in their response to restricting dietary sodium. For many, the improvement can be dramatic (known as salt-sensitive hypertension); for others, the numbers may barely change.
The Institute of Medicine recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day for people with high blood pressure. But the goal should be 1,300 milligrams daily for someone over age 50. For someone less than 50, the goal can be a little higher -- 1,500 milligrams per day. There are approximately 2,400 milligrams of sodium in one teaspoon of table salt.
If you take a diuretic, such as hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone, salt restriction has an additional benefit. Diuretics tend to lower potassium levels, especially if you eat a lot of salt. By reducing salt intake, your potassium blood level would drop less.
