Small Reduction in Sodium Intake Could Reduce Heart Attack Risk

Despite the knowledge that excess salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis American’s continue to consume almost double the recommended daily intake (RDI). Currently, average salt intake peaks at 3100mg/day and 4700 mg/day for women and men, respectively. The RDI is 1500 mg to 2300 mg per day, which is less than 1 teaspoon.
In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers used a computer model to create a cumulative picture of how salt intake may be affecting rates of serious illness or disease in America. The computer calculated the effects of salt on heart attacks and stroke consequential to the effects on high blood pressure.
As published in the NY Times article "Big Benefits Are Seen From Eating Less Salt," reducing salt consumption by 1/2 tsp. per day would lower the number of heart attacks by up to 99K and reduce the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases by up to 92K annually. Of course those at highest risk for heart attacks, those over 65, with hypertension, and African Americans, are projected to benefit most.
The researchers propose that these findings should place the emphasis on reducing salt intake in the same category as cholesterol lowering and smoking cessation efforts.
Interestingly, because Americans have failed to heed warnings to reduce salt intake, public policy makers are now taking steps to reduce salt intakes by limiting the amounts used in restaurant and manufactured foods. In addition to pressure on manufacturers, New York City has set a goal to reduce salt use by 25% in 5 years, while the state of California is considering lowering the permissible salt limits in public institutions.