Salt intake and high blood pressure
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Salt Intake and High Blood Pressure: Key Associations
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and high dietary salt intake is a major contributor to increased blood pressure levels in populations across the globe 1359. Multiple types of studies—including animal research, epidemiological data, and human intervention trials—consistently show a strong link between excess salt consumption and elevated blood pressure 13510.
Mechanisms: How Salt Raises Blood Pressure
Salt increases blood pressure through several biological pathways. High salt intake can cause the body to retain water, increase systemic resistance in blood vessels, and alter the function of the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels 358. Recent research also shows that high salt can affect the brain’s regulation of blood pressure, such as by impairing the normal inhibition of vasopressin neurons, which leads to increased hormone release and higher blood pressure 27. Additionally, some people are more sensitive to salt’s effects, with factors like ethnicity and potassium intake influencing this sensitivity 6.
Impact of Salt Reduction on Blood Pressure
Reducing salt intake leads to significant drops in blood pressure for both people with hypertension and those with normal blood pressure 510. Even modest reductions in salt (about 4–6 grams per day) can lower systolic blood pressure by 2–5 mm Hg, with greater reductions seen in people who already have high blood pressure 10. These benefits are seen across different ages, sexes, and ethnic groups 10. Lowering salt intake also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes 159.
Broader Health Effects of High Salt Intake
Beyond raising blood pressure, high salt intake can damage organs like the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and brain, and increase the risk of cardiovascular events even in people without hypertension 389. High salt diets are also linked to changes in blood pressure patterns, such as blunted nighttime blood pressure dipping, which further increases cardiovascular risk 7.
Barriers to Reducing Salt Intake
Many people are unaware of how much salt they consume or the recommended limits, and much of the salt in modern diets comes from processed foods, making it hard to control intake 49. Limited availability of low-salt food options and unclear food labeling are common challenges 4. Effective strategies to reduce salt intake include better food labeling, public education, policy changes, and collaboration between governments, the food industry, and health organizations 149.
Conclusion
There is strong and consistent evidence that high salt intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing salt intake, even by modest amounts, can significantly lower blood pressure and improve heart health for the entire population. Addressing barriers to salt reduction through public health strategies and food industry cooperation is essential for combating the global burden of hypertension and its complications 14910.
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