Clymer, Julie2014-10-092014-10-092012http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/13266Hypertension (HTN) strikes 33.6% of Americans contributing to half of all cardiovascular disease leading to heart disease and strokes often resulting in disability and death. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 recommends a 1500 mg/day sodium restriction for the special population groups (those with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic renal disease, African Americans, and those 51 years and older) which comprise 50% of the American population. Americans typically consume 3400 mg sodium daily. The purpose of this study was to analyze the sodium intake of participants of the HANDLS study who were in the three The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 identified categories. Additionally, major dietary sources of sodium for each group were determined, and dietary intakes were compared with the sodium recommendations.SodiumHypertensionSpecial population groupsThesis