Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for 2-gram sodium diet as follows:
- Hypertension: Sodium has the tendency to hold and retain fluid in the body, thus increasing the blood volume. Increased blood volume will exert more pressure on the blood vessels and contribute to elevated blood pressure. Limited sodium intake is recommended for individuals with history of poorly controlled hypertension, to reduce risk for further deterioration of BP control.
- Compromised renal function: Individuals with history of compromised kidney function ineffectively regulate sodium levels in the blood, leading to high sodium levels in the blood. This can contribute to poor blood pressure regulation, which can lead to further deterioration of kidney function. So, sodium intake is limited in these individuals, to reduce risk for further damage to kidney function.
- History of stroke: Poorly controlled hypertension is a serious risk factor for stroke and individuals with history of stroke can present with fresh episodes of stroke, secondary to poorly controlled hypertension. Limited sodium intake is recommended for such individuals, to help reduce risk for further deterioration of BP control and fresh episodes of stroke.
