Erythrocyte sodium buffering capacity status correlates with self-reported salt intake in a population from Livingstone, Zambia.

Self-reported high salt intake was associated with poor vascular sodium buffering capacity or high ESS in the majority of middle-aged Zambians living in Livingstone. The poor vascular sodium buffering capacity implies a damaged vascular glycocalyx which may potentially lead to a leakage of sodium into the interstitium. This alone is a risk factor for the future development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, future studies need to validate vascular function status when using ESS testing by including established vascular function assessments to determine its pathophysiological and clinical implications.