Researchers turf low-salt diet out
Controversial study shows association with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and death even in patients suffering from high blood pressure, writes Marika Sboros
It is like pouring salt into an open scientific wound. A major new Canadian-led study says eating too little salt can be dangerous even for people whose blood pressure is high. The findings go against conventional low-salt advice for all, regardless of blood pressure levels. The researchers have elicited strong reaction in the latest edition of the Lancet. Lead author of the study published in the Lancet in July is epidemiology professor Dr Andrew Mente, of the Population Health Research Institute in Hamilton, Ontario. The study is a meta-analysis of data from 133,118 people – 63,559 with and 69,559 without hypertension – from 49 countries. The median age was 55. The findings show an association between low-salt intake and increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) and death in those with or without hypertension. The researchers say doctors should target only advice to lower salt intake at hypertensive populations who are already eating high-sodium diets. In o...
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