What is the recommended maximum daily salt intake for hypertension?

• A. <2400 mg/day
• B. >5000 mg/day
• C. 1500 mg/day
• D. 3500 mg/day

Answer: (A)

Reducing sodium intake is a key nonpharmacologic step to help control blood pressure in hypertension. Lowering daily sodium—often measured as sodium (not salt) intake—reduces extracellular fluid and vascular resistance, which lowers blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.

The recommended maximum daily sodium intake for hypertension is about 2400 mg per day. This ceiling reflects a practical target that can be achievable for many patients while still providing BP benefits. In addition, many guidelines advocate a more aggressive goal of around 1500 mg per day for those with hypertension or high cardiovascular risk, but 1500 mg/day is typically described as an ideal target rather than the general maximum.

Thus, the option stating less than 2400 mg per day aligns with the recognized upper limit used in guidelines, making it the best choice. The other values exceed or fall below the typical guidance for a maximum, and 1500 mg/day, while beneficial, represents a stricter target rather than the standard maximum.