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Recent studies have discovered that consuming excessive salt might cause inflammation in the brain, which subsequently results in high blood pressure. This finding uncovers a vital ‘missing link’ between salt intake and the condition, a connection that experts have long attempted to understand.
Conducted by McGill University researchers, the study suggests that some types of high blood pressure, or hypertension, actually start in the brain, contradicting the previous belief that they originate in the kidneys. This insight could pave the way for developing new treatments and may explain why certain high blood pressure cases do not respond to kidney-based therapies. Masha Prager-Khoutorsky, the lead researcher and associate professor at McGill’s Department of Physiology, stated: “This new evidence highlights that hypertension can stem from the brain, offering new avenues for brain-targeted treatments.”
She added that the brain’s involvement in hypertension has been largely neglected because it is more challenging to study. However, with emerging techniques, observing these changes has become possible.
Published in the journal Neuron, the study simulated human eating patterns in rats by giving them a diet containing 2% salt, akin to a human diet rich in fast food and processed items like bacon, instant noodles, and cheese.
Using advanced brain imaging and laboratory methods, researchers monitored brain changes in rats on a high-salt diet. They found that high salt consumption activated immune cells in a specific brain region.
This activation led to inflammation and increased the release of vasopressin, a hormone vital for kidney function, maintaining salt balance, and regulating blood pressure. The elevated vasopressin levels led to increased blood pressure in the rats, indicating that hypertension might arise from the brain.
The researchers are now planning to investigate whether other forms of high blood pressure follow similar patterns. Salt has long been recognised as a significant contributor to high blood pressure, along with other lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or a genetic predisposition to the condition.
High blood pressure is a severe health issue, but it often doesn’t present any immediate symptoms. It may only be detected when it triggers a serious medical event like a heart attack or stroke.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to complications like kidney failure, heart failure, vision problems, and vascular dementia, according to the British Heart Foundation. It’s estimated that five million adults in the UK could have undiagnosed high blood pressure, meaning they’re entirely unaware that they’re at risk of these life-threatening complications.
Blood pressure checks are available at GP surgeries, pharmacies, and even some workplaces. Reducing your salt intake, which includes the hidden salt in your meals and not just the extra you sprinkle on top, can aid in lowering your blood pressure.
Cutting down on smoking and drinking, whilst upping your exercise game, can also contribute to a healthier blood pressure level.
