How less than a teaspoon of salt affected blood pressure in study
| One teaspoon of salt |
How less than a teaspoon of salt affected blood pressure in study
According to a study presented at the recent American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and published in JAMA, reducing salt intake by just one teaspoon per day can lower blood pressure as much as hypertension medications.
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The discovery is based on a study of 213 adults aged 50 to 75, including people whose blood pressure was considered normal as well as people with high blood pressure (hypertension), both treated and untreated.
The researchers recorded the participants' blood pressure after they ate a low-sodium diet for one week—meals, snacks and drinks that included about one teaspoon less table salt (2.3 grams sodium) than their usual diet. This value was compared to the participants' blood pressure after they followed a high-sodium diet for a week. Nearly three-quarters of the participants had lower blood pressure on the low-sodium diet.
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This diet resulted in systolic blood pressure lower by an average of 8 mm Hg. Art. (millimeters of mercury, the standard for measuring blood pressure) lower than the systolic pressure recorded after a high-sodium diet and 6 mmHg. Art. lower than after the usual regimen. diet.
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Systolic blood pressure, the top (or first) reading of blood pressure, is the force generated by the heart as it beats, pushing blood through the arteries. The researchers wrote that their results show that "clinically significant reductions [in blood pressure] by reducing sodium intake can be achieved safely and rapidly within 1 week."
Having high blood pressure increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke, but also increases your chance of developing a number of health problems, including kidney disease, vision problems, sexual dysfunction and peripheral artery disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults—about 120 million people—have hypertension or are taking medications for it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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This article is part of The Post's "Big Number" series, which briefly examines the statistical aspect of health care issues. Additional information and related studies are available via hyperlinks.
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