Becoming normal weight reduced the risk of developing hypertension to a level similar to those who had never been obese.S5.2.1-10 5.2.2. Sodium Intake Sodium intake is positively associated with BP in migrant,S5.2.2-11 and prospective cohort stud- and accounts for much of the age-related increase in In addition to the well-accepted and important relationship of dietary sodium with BP, excessive consump- tion of sodium is independently associated with an increased risk of stroke,S5.2.2-17,S5.2.2-18 and other adverse Certain groups with various demographic, physiological, and genetic characteristics tend to be particularly sensitive to the effects of dietary sodium on BP.S5.2.2-21 S5.2.2-23 Salt sensitivity is a quantitative trait in which an increase in sodium load disproportionately increases BP.S5.2.2-21,S5.2.2-24 Salt sensitivity is especially common in blacks, older adults, and those with a higher level of BP or comorbidities such as CKD, DM, or the metabolic syndrome.S5.2.2-25 In aggregate, these groups constitute more than half of all US adults.S5.2.2-26 Salt sensitivity may be a marker for increased CVD and all-cause mortality risk independently of BP,S5.2.2-27,S5.2.2-28 and the trait has been demonstrated to be reproducible.S5.2.2-29 Current tech- niques for recognition of salt sensitivity are impractical in rou- tine clinical practice, so salt sensitivity is best considered as a group characteristic. Potassium intake is inversely related to BP in migrant,S5.2.3-30 cross- and prospective cohortS5.2.3-33 studies. It is also inversely related to stroke.S5.2.3-34 S5.2.3-36 A higher level of potassium seems to blunt the effect of sodium on BP,S5.2.3-37 with a lower sodium potassium ratio being associated with a lower level of BP than that noted for corresponding levels of sodium or potassium on their Likewise, epidemiological studies suggest that a lower sodium potassium ratio may result in a reduced risk of CVD as compared with the pattern for corresponding levels of either cation on its own.S5.2.3-39 5.2.4. 