The schema illustrates how CTS may be the molecular link explaining how long exposure to a high salt diet may produce hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Specifically, we propose that the profibrotic effects of CTS may, as a trade off for maintaining sodium homeostasis, initially sub-clinically injure the renal parenchyma and in this manner, shift the relationship between blood pressure and sodium. Because of this, patients might be expected to develop hypertension which may, in and of itself, increase circulating CTS levels and synergistically injure organs including the heart and kidney.