Excessive Salt Intake Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk, Study Finds

Islamabad: Researchers from Vanderbilt University have found that high sodium (salt) consumption can independently increase the risk of developing heart failure, especially in individuals already at higher risk.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances, included over 25,300 participants from southeastern United States, primarily African American and low-income individuals who are more vulnerable to heart disease.

The findings revealed that participants consumed nearly twice the recommended daily amount of salt, which was associated with a 15% higher risk of developing new heart conditions.

Experts noted that even a modest reduction in salt intake could significantly lower the burden of heart disease in high-risk populations. According to the American Heart Association and U.S. federal guidelines, daily sodium intake should not exceed 2,300 mg. However, participants in the study consumed an average of 4,269 mg per day—almost double the recommended limit.

The research also found that roughly 80% of participants exceeded the recommended daily sodium intake.