It is widely known that salt, in particular non-refined salt, is important for good health. Reasonable consumption of up to 2,300 mg per day (2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines) allows better absorption of minerals into bones and better muscle function, and will assist in regulating acid-bases in cells and in overall energy production. The trouble is when people add table salt to non-discretionary salt found in processed foods, salt intake will quickly rock above 4,000 mg per day. While no study has shown any correlation between artherosclerosis, the major cause of heart attacks, and high-salt intake, the effects of salt consumption on blood vessels is scientifically demonstrated (Dr.Pressman). Salt consumption - just like saturated fats - causes blood vessels to constrict and so increases blood pressure. However, salt is not the only element that can raise blood pressure. Diabetes fight against high blood pressure too as their organism responds to a lack of insulin.

But high blood pressure is not so much a short-term problem, as the body usually finds ways to regulate it. For instance, water intake raises blood pressure by increasing blood volume. While this may be true on the very short-run, the kidneys rapidly lower blood pressure by eliminating the surplus of liquids in the body. Kidneys also adjust blood pressure through a sophisticated Renin-angiotensin system (wikipedia) whereby they either block Angiotensin II, a powerful peptide that constricts blood vessels, or speed the elimination of salt. As early as 1908, scientists discovered that blood pressure was linked to oxygen. The more breathing, the more oxygen would be taken in and the higher the blood pressure. Fear and stress cause an acceleration of breathing. More oxygen in the blood means less blood flow to the brain. This may explain why nervosity causes less in-depth thinking, and people to make more mistakes. But then again, if breathing is stopped, blood pressure will always come back to normal levels as CO2 increases (normalbreating) and blood vessels dilate again. Blood thinners in the form of medication like statins prescribed by physicians or sea food may also contribute to short-term blood pressure changes.

Therefore, unless body organs that regulate blood pressure such as the kidneys are damaged, the determining factor in blood pressure regulation over the long run is essentially determined by the arteries' ability to continue to dilate or constrict; a physiological faculty which patients suffering from chronic higher blood-pressure may already have lost long ago.

Look at the diagram above and see what elements most influence the long-term state of arteries in otherwise healthy individuals. Likewise, observe how the state of arteries determines the level of blood pressure. Based on this diagram, it now transpires that healthy arteries or hope for an improvement of their dilatability, is proportional to water consumption and exercise, and depends on lower animal fats and salt consumption. This is all the more important that people get older and that they have a higher Body-Mass Index (BMI).