In blacks, individuals with hypertension, those with diabetes mellitus, those with chronic kidney dis- ease, and individuals 51 years of age, a sodium intake of The AHA recommends <1500 mg sodium per day.216 The ideal lower limit of dietary salt intake remains ill defined and may depend on comorbidi- ties such as diabetes mellitus and heart failure managed with US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that potassium intake be at least 4700 mg/d (120 Diet and Nutrition: Recommendations 1. Reduced intake of sodium and increased intake of potassium as indicated in the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans are recommended to lower BP (Class I; Level of Evidence A). 2. A DASH-style diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegeta- bles, and low-fat dairy products and reduced satu- rated fat, is recommended to lower BP127,218 (Class I; Level of Evidence A). 3. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and thereby high in potassium is beneficial and may lower the risk of stroke (Class I; Level of Evidence B). 4. A Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts may be considered in lowering the risk of stroke (Class IIa; Level of Evidence B). Hypertension The Seventh Joint National Committee defined hypertension as SBP >140 mmHg and DBP >90 mmHg.219 The most recent panel appointed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to review hypertension management guidelines was silent on the issue of defining hypertension but chose instead to focus on defining BP thresholds for initiating or modify- Hypertension is a major risk factor for both cerebral infarction and ICH. 