Excessive intake of salt may lead to clogged arteries- study

On Jul 19, 2023

A new study carried out by researchers in Sweden has found that people who consume high volumes of salt are at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study discovered the possibility that salt can cause extensive damage even before the onset of high blood pressure. The study, published online in the European Heart Journal Open, found that people with high salt intake are at higher risk of calcification in the heart and neck arteries.

According to Healthline, an online medical portal, calcification happens when calcium builds up in body tissue, blood vessels, or organs.It noted that this buildup can harden and disrupt the body’s natural processes.

The World Health Organisation in a report noted that the amount of dietary salt (sodium chloride) consumed is an important determinant of blood pressure levels and of hypertension and overall cardiovascular risk. The global health organisation recommended the intake of less than five grams (approximately 2g sodium) per person per day.

Also, the researchers revealed that too much salt in the diet is a risk factor for clogged arteries in the neck and heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes even if the person does not have high blood pressure.

The lead study author, Jonas Wuopio, said the findings raise the possibility that salt could cause damage even before someone develops high blood pressure.

“Salt is bad for heart health because of its link to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension but the role salt plays in the development of plaque in the arteries has not been examined. Ours is the first study to examine the association between a high salt intake and hardening of the arteries in both the head and neck. The association was linear, meaning that each rise in salt intake was linked with more atherosclerosis. This means that it’s not just patients with high blood pressure or heart disease who need to watch their salt intake. It can be hard to estimate how much salt we eat, so I advise patients to limit the use of table salt, or to replace salt with a salt substitute.”

Reacting to the study, a dietician at Ogun State General Hospital, Dr. Adeola Adeleye said the findings have confirmed how dangerous high salt intake can affect the body.

He said: “When people consume large amounts of salt over an extended period of time, significant negative effects happen. Because the kidneys are less able to eliminate water as a result of the blood’s increased sodium content, the body’s blood vessels are under more strain as a result of the increased blood volume. Strokes and congestive heart failure can eventually result from high blood pressure. Kidney disease can result from the kidneys’ chronic overwork to remove excess salt. Long-term excessive salt consumption can also cause fluid to accumulate in the body’s tissues and cavities. Furthermore, eating a lot of sodium can make the body excrete calcium in little amounts, which might eventually induce osteoporosis. Knowing which foods are high in sodium is the first step in maintaining a healthy amount of salt consumption. This enables you to decide how much and how frequently you should eat meals high in salt,” he added.

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