TheMacaca irusis a monkey species that is highly susceptible to experimental cholesterol atherosclerosis of the aorta, coronary and cerebral arteries and cutaneous xanthomatosis-like lesions induced by feeding a diet high in cholesterol and/or coconut oil for 14 months.The monkeys fed an atherogenic diet were divided into two groups: monkeys receiving excess sodium and controls. The excess sodium group showed a significantly higher systolic blood pressure as compared with the control group; however, elevation of blood pressure was mild and was not considered as significant hypertension.The loading of excess sodium chloride in monkeys fed an atherogenic diet did not enhance severity of atherosclerosis of the aorta, coronary and cerebral arteries.