Objective:The development of arterial hypertension is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, with high salt intake being a known environmental contributor. This study aimed to estimate daily salt intake in children with essential arterial hypertension and in normotensive children, and to assess the relationship between their blood pressure values and 24-h urinary sodium excretion.Design and method:Total of 26 children participated in this study; 12 children with essential arterial hypertension (HT) and 14 normotensive children (NT) (both sexes, age ranged 12–17). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure and heart rate were measured. 24-h urine samples were analysed for excreted sodium concentration whereas daily salt intake based on 24-h urinary sodium excretion was calculated using appropriate formula. Statistical analysis was conducted by t-test (between groups), and Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation test was used to determine the correlations between blood pressure (SBP, DBP and MAP) and 24-h urinary sodium excretion (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant).Results:Body mass index (BMI) was similar between groups. Calculated salt intake was significantly higher in children with essential hypertension compared with normotensive children. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean (MAP) arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in children with essential arterial hypertension compared with normotensive children, while there were no difference in heart rate between HT and NT groups. 24-h urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in the HT compared with the NT group. 24-h urinary sodium excretion was positively associated with SBP (r = 0.673), DBP (r = 0.513) and MAP (r = 0.651).Conclusions:Even though BMI was similar, 24-h urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in hypertensive children indicating their higher daily salt intake, which is associated with higher blood pressure in these children.