A review paper provides evidence that excess dietary sodium can adversely affect target organs, including the blood vessels, heart, kidneys and brain. Potential effects on the arteries include reduced function of the endothelium and increase arterial stiffness. High dietary sodium can also lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. Evidence suggests that high sodium is associated with reduced renal function.
Chronically elevated dietary sodium may 'sensitize' sympathetic neurons in the brain, causing a greater response to a variety of stimuli, including skeletal muscle contraction. Approximately 70 percent of the sodium in our diets comes from processed foods. Also, restaurant food typically contains more salt than dishes prepared at home. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109715000832
