Ease up on salt

The old adage “take it with a pinch of salt” is meant to be a positive one – implying that a pinch of salt is of little consequence. But for those with high blood pressure and chronic heart conditions, that pinch of salt could be enough to push your daily intake into dangerous territory.

Dr Thomas Kowallik, CEO and president of Novartis SA, says excessive salt intake is one of several factors increasing the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).

“World Hypertension Day tried to raise awareness of the health risks associated with hypertension, and the steps people can take to lower their risks of developing it.”

According to the International Society of Hypertension, it is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and was named the number one killer by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

People with hypertension have a four times higher risk of stroke and twice the risk of myocardial infarction (a heart attack) than those with normal blood pressure.

Lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, a salt-rich diet with highly processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco use, are cited as reasons for the rapid increase in the number of people with hypertension worldwide.

“South Africans have unacceptably high levels of hypertension, with up to 30% of adults known to be hypertensive2. High salt consumption is a key driver of hypertension, and there is strong evidence to indicate that South Africans consume up to 2-3 times the recommended daily allowance of 5 g,” says Kowallik.

“Salt from processed food makes up as much as 75% of total intake in high-income countries. South Africans tend to follow international trends and include processed foods in their diet – and on top of that they season their meals with liberal sprinklings of salt. This is dangerous, particularly among those with high blood pressure or heart disease,” says Kowallik.

He notes that the department of health’s salt reduction targets for 2013–2019, along with increased awareness among consumers, could help reduce deaths and chronic illness caused by hypertension.

According to World Action on Salt and Health, a high salt intake is associated with raised blood pressure, which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, responsible for 62% of stroke and 49% of coronary heart disease.

There is also evidence that the onset of heart failure could be delayed or prevented by modifying risk factors and controlling hypertension. A reduction in sodium intake reduces blood pressure in people both with and without hypertension.

“Studies have found a significant association between sodium intake and fatal stroke, and fatal coronary heart disease events. Clearly, it is important to restrict salt intake to healthy levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially for patients at risk of stroke or coronary heart disease,” says Kowallik. – Citizen reporter