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Genetic Salt Sensitivity

Reviewed By: Brunilda Nazario,

SOURCES: 2007 Medical Reference from Medstar Television. Robin Felder, Ph.D., Pathologist, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.

© 1999-2011 Medstar Television

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Narrator:

Gretchen Kelly wants to keep her blood pressure at a healthy level.

Gretchen Kelly:

A number of people in my immediate family, both sides, have died from strokes.

Narrator:

She takes blood pressure-lowering drugs. Now a new study suggests she also needs to watch her diet.

Gretchen Kelly:

I did learn that I am salt sensitive.

Narrator:

People who are salt sensitive have a dangerous spike in blood pressure after a high-salt meal. Untreated, the problem can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Even people with 'normal' blood pressure can be affected.

Robin Felder, Ph.D.:

Salt sensitivity is a hidden disease. You really can't find out if you're salt sensitive with a blood pressure cuff.

Narrator:

Now University Of Virginia researchers are working on a first-of-its-kind genetic test to predict salt sensitivity.

Robin Felder, Ph.D.:

We would like to essentially develop our genetic test for salt sensitivity and high blood pressure so we could tell individuals whether they're going to have this, either have it or going to have these issues so then you can be proactive about lowering your salt at a time when it's easy to do and avoid those issues later in life.

Narrator:

In the study, participants eat a controlled diet for two weeks. Then researchers check tissue samples for changes in blood pressure genes. The findings show the more genetic changes there are, the higher the risk for salt-induced high blood pressure.

Gretchen Kelly:

I have three of the five types that are associated with hypertension.

Narrator:

For salt-sensitive people like Gretchen, cutting back on salt could be life-saving as well as healthier. For WebMD, I'm Sandee Lomotte.

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