Regarding variability in systolic blood pressure changes over time, changes from run-in to higher sodium (no sodium
level change) ranged from 24 to 25 mm Hg; 8.0% of participants decreased 10 mm Hg. Regarding variability in
systolic blood pressure response to change in sodium intake, with higher versus lower sodium levels (78-mmol sodium
difference), the range of systolic blood pressure change was 32 to 17 mm Hg; 33.5% decreased 10 mm Hg.
Regarding consistency of response, systolic blood pressure change with run-in versus lower sodium was modestly
correlated with systolic blood pressure change with higher versus medium sodium; systolic blood pressure change with
higher versus lower sodium was similarly correlated with run-in versus medium sodium (combined Spearman r0.27,
P0.002). These results show low-order consistency of response and confirm that identifying individuals as sodium
responders is difficult. They support current recommendations for lower salt intake directed at the general public rather
than “susceptible” individuals as one of several strategies to prevent and control adverse blood pressures widely
prevalent in the adult population. (Hypertension. 2003;42:459-467.)