The need for people with high blood pressure to limit their salt intake is well known. A new NIH study has found that salt sensitivity increases the risk of death even for those with normal blood pressure. Salt sensitivity is not the same as hypertension, but more than half (58%) of those with high blood pressure are salt-sensitive.

The researchers estimate that about one-quarter of Americans with normal blood pressure are salt-sensitive as well. The condition is more common among older people, African Americans, and those with a family member who is salt-sensitive or has high blood pressure.

Since there is no easy way to test for salt sensitivity, the researchers advised that all Americans - including those with normal blood pressure - limit their salt intake to 2400 mg of sodium a day. Only 10% of our sodium intake comes from adding salt to food at the table. So, in order to reduce sodium intake, you should check food labels and be especially careful about using prepared, preserved, and processed foods, which tend to be high in sodium.

Click here to read more about restricting salt in your diet.