Normal-sodium diet compared with low-sodium diet

S. Paterna et al, Normal-sodium diet compared with low-sodium diet in compensated congestive heart failure: is sodium an old enemy or a new friend?  Clin Sci (Lond) 2008 Feb: 114(3):221-30

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a normal-sodium (120 mmol sodium) diet compared with a low-sodium diet (80 mmol sodium) on readmissions for CHF (congestive heart failure) during 180 days of follow-up in compensated patients with CHF.  The results of the study show that a normal-sodium diet improves outcome, and sodium reduction has detrimental renal and neurohormonal effects with worse clinical outcome in compensated CHF patients.

This is the first clinical trial of health outcomes of low-sodium diets.  Paterna's group produced a second study in 2009 which reiterated the 2008 results: 

Medium Term Effects of Different Dosage of Diuretic, Sodium, and Fluid Administration on Neurohormonal and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Recently Compensated Heart Failure, Am Jour of Cardiology, 2009; 103 (1):93-102)