Search results for "Surrogate endpoint"

A methodological look at the controversy about the influence of salt intake on cardiovascular risk

2012

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of premature death and disability. They represent an extraordinarily strong financial burden upon health-care systems in ‘‘developed’’ countries. Elevated blood pressure is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. There is much evidence that cardiovascular risk increases from normal blood pressure (i.e., from 115/75 mmHg upwards) [1]. Overwhelming evidence shows that reducing salt intake from 9–12 g/day to 5–6 g/day lowers blood pressure [2]. Blood pressure is a surrogate endpoint, but may be related to a reduction of morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular causes. Thus, intensive support and encouragement to cut down on the intake of salt in …