Current Data on Dietary Sodium, Arterial Structure and Function in Humans: A Systematic Review

Background: Subclinical arterial damage (SAD) (arteriosclerosis, arterial remodeling and atheromatosis) pre-exists decades before cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset. Worldwide, sodium (Na) intake is almost double international recommendations and has been linked with CVD and death, although in a J-shape manner. Studies regarding dietary Na and major types of SAD may provide pathophysiological insight into the association between Na and CVD. Objectives: Systematic review of data derived from observational and interventional studies in humans, investigating the association between dietary Na with (i) atheromatosis (arterial plaques); (ii) arteriosclerosis (various biomarkers of arterial stiffness); (iii) arterial remodeling (intima–media thickening and arterial lumen diameters). Data sources: Applying the PRISMA criteria, the PubMed and Scopus databases were used. Results: 36 studies were included: 27 examining arteriosclerosis, four arteriosclerosis and arterial remodeling, three arterial remodeling, and two arterial remodeling and atheromatosis. Conclusions: (i) Although several studies exist, the evidence does not clearly support a clinically meaningful and direct (independent from blood pressure) effect of Na on arterial wall stiffening; (ii) data regarding the association of dietary Na with arterial remodeling are limited, mostly suggesting a positive trend between dietary Na and arterial hypertrophy but still inconclusive; (iii) as regards to atheromatosis, data are scarce and the available studies present high heterogeneity. Further state-of-the-art interventional studies must address the remaining controversies.