Dietary salt and blood pressure in haemodialysis patients: Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of salt reduction on blood pressure, endothelial function and other cardiovascular parameters with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial
IRAS ID
172829
Contact name
Nicholas Cole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 12 months, 0 days
Research summary
Reducing the amount of salt in our diet helps to lower blood pressure as well as the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Salt is normally processed in the kidney and eliminated in the urine. Patients with kidney failure are unable to excrete salt and rely on a process known as dialysis to rid the body of excess dietary salt. Dialysis patients almost all have high blood pressure that is often difficult to control with blood pressure lowering medication. Reducing the amount of salt taken in the diet may be particularly beneficial for these patients but there is little evidence for this at present. This study will compare a usual salt diet with a low-salt diet and their effects on blood pressure in those who have kidney failure.
In addition, the study will investigate how salt intake might lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The effect of salt on fluid intake and blood sodium levels will be examined, as well as endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is a condition in which the inner lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), does not function normally so that the vessels do not dilate as well. It is known that dietary salt intake can affect endothelial function in healthy individuals but it has not been previously investigated in patients with kidney failure. It is of particular interest because people with endothelial dysfunction have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0929
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion