Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of stepped salt restriction on salt threshold， 24hour urinary sodium excretion(24 h USE) and blood pressure control in aged hypertension patients. MethodsAged hypertension patients in five residential areas of Shihezi were randomly divided into two groups: stepped salt restriction group(138 cases)， unified salt restriction group(124 cases).Process control lasted for half a year. Salt threshold and 24 h USE were detected before the salt restriction and examined again when the salt restriction was completed. ResultsSalt threshold， 24 h USE and average daily intake of salt were significantly decreased in stepped salt restriction group compared with those of unified salt restriction group(P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in stepped salt restriction group than in unified salt restriction group（P<0.05）.ConclusionThe stepped salt restriction model is feasible and effective in elderly patients with hypertension.

Key words: hypertension, salt restriction, effect evaluation, urinary sodium excretion