Effect of low-sodium salt applied to Chinese modified DASH diet on arterial stiffness in older patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes

Background and purpose: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has multifunctional health benefits. We evaluated theeffects of low-sodium salt applied to Chinese modified DASH diet on arterial stiffness in older patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes.Methods: sixty-one older adults with hypertension and type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to low sodium salt group (n = 31) or normalsodium salt group (n = 30). They were given the Chinese modified DASH diet plus low-sodium salt (52 % sodium chloride) or same diet plusregular salt (99 % sodium chloride) for eight weeks, respectively. Brachial and ankle pulse wave conduction velocity, ankle brachial index andatherosclerosis-related indices were measured at baseline and week 8. In addition, 24-hour urine and blood samples were measured at baseline,the 4th week and the end of the intervention.Results: as compared with the baseline, the low sodium salt group significantly decreased in ankle brachial index (-0.09 ± 0.11, p < 0.001)and brachial and ankle pulse wave conduction velocity (-133.07 ± 265.99 cm/s, p = 0.010) at week 8 while the normal sodium salt group onlydecreased significantly in ankle brachial index (-0.06 ± 0.12, p = 0.010) at week 8.Conclusion: the low-sodium salt applied to Chinese modified DASH diet may improve arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension and type 2diabetes. Further research with an extended follow-up is needed. (AU)