salt

If you’re concerned about your health, and especially your heart health, you’ve probably done some research on the subject. One thing that comes up a lot is the connection between salt and heart disease. If your aim is heart disease prevention, is cutting out salty foods the key? At Matthews Internal Medicine, we know that there are a lot of conflicting reports out there. Our preventative medicine experts will clear things up and let you know the best way to prevent heart disease. Let’s take a look at both sides of this issue.

Salt is Bad For You

Some studies have shown that sodium intake can be linked to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The development of hypertension can lead to the development of heart disease and raise the chance of heart failure. Hypertension can have other debilitating health effects as well. It’s linked to stroke, kidney failure, and some other issues.

Another problem is that a high-sodium diet can also mean a diet high in fat and calories. This means an increased risk for obesity. Like hypertension, obesity can also lead to a variety of other health issues. A patient with both of these health problems can run into more health issues down the line.

A recent study in China also found a link between high-sodium diets and premature deaths attributed to heart disease. According to this research, as many as twenty percent of cardiovascular disease deaths among adults aged twenty-five to sixty-nine in one Chinese province could be attributed to high-sodium diets.

Salt is an Important Part of Your Diet

At the same time, salt can’t be cut out of your diet completely. It’s still an important nutrient despite the risks that come with consuming too much of it. At the same time, some of the guidelines about sodium intake given to patients are just based on assumptions. Many physicians recommend 2,000 mg of salt per day for patients with heart failure, but that may not be perfect for everyone. A recent study on the benefits of salt restrictive diets for non-hospitalized heart failure patients was actually inconclusive. And this study had to be held to a high standard, since it was one of only nine out of more than 2,000 research projects included in a recent review.

The Verdict

Right now, much of the research shows that high sodium intake can lead to a variety of health problems. It’s still hard to say for sure if salt is the biggest problem for patients who are worried about heart disease though. It could be different for different patients, so make sure that you listen to your internist and follow their recommendations. In the meantime, hopefully more research will be done on the link between salt and heart disease to determine whether sodium is the real culprit or if other lifestyles and habits associated with high-sodium diets are the issue.

Your Heart Disease Prevention Experts in Matthews, NC

If heart disease prevention is your priority, visit our office today. Our internists will help you get on the right track and avoid this debilitating disorder. With our assistance, you can hopefully live a longer and healthier life.