Abstract :
Why is salt reduction important? Excessive salt intake is a major global public health concern as it accounts for a considerable proportion of the burden of noncommunicable diseases such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. There is a clear link between high salt intake and high blood pressure; likewise there is conclusive scientific evidence that reduction of sodium consumption reduces blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for both stroke and CHD, resulting in excess deaths and severe disability among survivors. Even a small (1 g per person per day) reduction in salt intake will reduce deaths from strokes and heart attacks by more than 7% in each country that takes the appropriate measures to achieve this.
