Excessive Sodium Intake Leads to High Blood Pressure

Cut Salt to Save Lives

A gradual reduction of sodium in the US diet could save hundreds of thousands of lives, according to a new report from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Americans consume about 3,600 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, with about 80 percent of it coming from commercially prepared and processed foods.  The AHA recommends consuming less than 1,500 mg per day, but it reports that a reduction to about 2,200 mg per day over 10 years would save up to half a million lives.

Excessive sodium intake contributes to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.