Chronic effects of high salt intake and conflict stress on blood pressure in primates

The effects of combined behavioral stress and high dietary salt on blood pressure were examined in baboons (N=4) over the course of 1 year. Either high salt diet (240 mEq Na⁺/day) or conflict stress were administered for 8 to 16 weeks, followed by high salt intake and stress combined. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased by 8 mmHg during high dietary salt alone, by 4 mmHg during stress alone, and increased further to 14 mmHg above baseline during combined salt and stress. Control baboons (N=2) had no change in MAP across 47 weeks. The data indicate additive effects of chronic high dietary salt intake and behavioral stress on blood pressure in non-human primates.