A Swedish study published in the European Heart Journal Open on 23 March 2023 showed that HIGH LEVELS OF SALT INTAKE resulted in elevated blood pressure and increased risk of developing “hardening of the arteries” to the heart and the large arteries in the neck leading to the brain.
The research showed increased blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and death. Hardening of the arteries in the neck likely will lead to more strokes.
The increase in hardening of the arteries begins years before it is apparent. Thus, the earlier a person reduces their salt intake, the better. At minimum, do not add extra salt to your food and avoid processed foods with high sodium levels.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
