How Does Salt Retention Raise Blood Pressure?

Posted on Sun, 19 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 Answered on

Sat, 16 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : How does salt actually cause an increase in blood pressure? My blood pressure is under control. This is just an information question.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Salt induces fluid retention from kidneys....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The salt increases the osmotic pressure of the plasma. This will result in more water retention from the kidneys; more fluid will flow in bloodstream leading to increased blood pressure.

Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar