A recent study reveals that excessive salt intake can inflame the brain, activating immune responses that release hormones responsible for raising blood pressure. Traditionally, hypertension has been linked mainly to the kidneys and blood vessels, but this research points to the brain as a critical, yet often overlooked, driver of the condition. Using rats fed a diet with salt levels comparable to human fast-food consumption, scientists observed brain inflammation in key regions and a rise in the hormone vasopressin, which directly influences blood pressure regulation. These findings could help explain why many patients fail to respond to conventional hypertension treatments, which typically target the kidneys and vascular system. The discovery highlights the brain as a promising new therapeutic target for drug-resistant hypertension, paving the way for innovative treatment approaches.
