New research has revealed that consuming too much salt could spark inflammation in your brain. This then leads to high blood pressure, uncovering a crucial ‘missing link’ between the condition and salt consumption that experts have been desperately trying to crack.
Led by researchers from McGill University, the study indicates that certain types of high blood pressure or hypertension actually originate in the brain rather than the kidneys, as previously thought. This could provide new treatment pathways for experts to explore and potentially even explain why some forms of high blood pressure fail to respond to kidney-focused treatments. Lead researcher Masha Prager-Khoutorsky, associate professor in McGill’s Department of Physiology, explained: “This is new evidence that high blood pressure can originate in the brain, opening the door for developing treatments that act on the brain.
“The brain’s role in hypertension has largely been overlooked, in part because it’s harder to study. But with new techniques, we’re able to see these changes in action.”
Featured in the journal Neuron, the study replicated human dietary habits in rats by feeding them a diet containing 2% salt. This mirrors a human diet packed with fast food and products such as bacon, instant noodles and processed cheese.
Utilising state-of-the-art brain imaging and lab techniques, scientists have been able to monitor changes in rats’ brains while they were on a high-salt diet. They discovered that excessive salt intake triggered immune cells in a specific area of the brain.
This led to inflammation and a surge in the release of vasopressin, a hormone crucial for kidney function, salt balance, and blood pressure regulation. The spike in vasopressin levels resulted in an increase in the rats’ blood pressure, suggesting that hypertension could originate in the brain.
The researchers are now planning to investigate whether other forms of high blood pressure follow similar patterns. Salt has long been recognised as a significant contributor to high blood pressure, along with other lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or a genetic predisposition to the condition.
High blood pressure is a severe health issue, but it often doesn’t present any immediate symptoms. It may only be detected when it triggers a serious medical event like a heart attack or stroke.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to complications like kidney failure, heart failure, vision problems, and vascular dementia, according to the British Heart Foundation. It’s estimated that five million adults in the UK could have undiagnosed high blood pressure, meaning they’re entirely unaware that they’re at risk of these life-threatening complications.
Blood pressure checks are available at GP surgeries, pharmacies, and even some workplaces. Reducing your salt intake, which includes the hidden salt in your meals and not just the extra you sprinkle on top, can aid in lowering your blood pressure.
Cutting down on smoking and drinking, whilst upping your exercise game, can also contribute to a healthier blood pressure level.