Most patients can improve their cardiovascular risk profile by reducing salt intake regardless of hypertension status, an Australian-led study has found.

Researchers say their systematic review and meta-analysis shows that greater reductions in dietary sodium translate to greater falls in blood pressure in a dose–response manner.

The George Institute for Global Health-led team analysed 133 ­studies that investigated the relationship between dietary salt reduction — measured through 24-hour urinary sodium excretion — and changes in blood pressure.

Among the 12,000 participants in the studies, the mean reduction in urinary sodium with reduced salt intake was 130mmol and systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped by 4.3mmHg and 2.1mmHg, respectively.