U.S. can save $24 billion by cutting salt
WASHINGTON (UPI) -- Daily U.S. sodium consumption is two times higher than the recommended 1,500 milligrams and the American Heart Association urges all to eat less.
Dr. Ralph Sacco, president of the American Heart Association, says salt increases the risk of elevated blood pressure and with Americans eating elevated levels of salt it is estimated that about 90 percent of all Americans will develop hypertension during their lifetime.
Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease, Sacco says.
In an advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the AHA says one recent study suggests a national effort that reduces sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day could reduce the heart disease costs by up to $24 billion per year.
"Even a modest decline in intake -- say 400 mg per day -- would produce benefits that are substantial and warrant implementation," the advisory authors say in a statement.
Dr. Ralph Sacco, president of the American Heart Association, says salt increases the risk of elevated blood pressure and with Americans eating elevated levels of salt it is estimated that about 90 percent of all Americans will develop hypertension during their lifetime.
Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks and kidney disease, Sacco says.
In an advisory, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, the AHA says one recent study suggests a national effort that reduces sodium intake by 1,200 mg per day could reduce the heart disease costs by up to $24 billion per year.
"Even a modest decline in intake -- say 400 mg per day -- would produce benefits that are substantial and warrant implementation," the advisory authors say in a statement.
Copyright 2011 by United Press International
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