Investigating how reducing dietary sodium affects heart and blood vessel health in African Americans

A Mechanistic Trial of Dietary Sodium Reduction on Vascular Structure and Function in African Americans

NIH-funded research Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11004090

This study is looking at how cutting down on salt in your diet can help improve heart health, especially for African Americans who are more likely to have heart problems, and it will involve tracking changes in heart function as participants lower their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg a day.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004090 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to understand the impact of lowering dietary sodium intake on cardiovascular health, specifically in African Americans who are at a higher risk for heart disease. The study will involve participants reducing their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day and monitoring changes in heart and vascular function through various measurements. By focusing on this population, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that link sodium intake to cardiovascular disease, which are not fully understood. Participants will be closely monitored to assess improvements in heart structure and function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults who consume high levels of dietary sodium and are at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume high sodium diets or those without cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better dietary recommendations that significantly improve heart health for African Americans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of sodium reduction on cardiovascular health, but this specific approach targeting African Americans is novel.

Where this research is happening

New Orleans, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.