World Health Organization (WHO) issues a warning to decrease salt intake.
In Europe, cardiovascular disease accounts for a staggering 40% of all deaths, equating to approximately 10,000 fatalities per day, or four million annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for a reduction in salt consumption among Europeans to mitigate this concerning trend.
Implementing targeted measures to decrease salt intake by 25% could potentially save an estimated 900,000 lives from cardiovascular diseases by 2030, asserts Hans Kluge, Director of WHO’s European branch. One in three adults between 30 and 79 years old in Europe suffer from hypertension, often attributable to excessive salt consumption, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
An alarming statistic reveals that 51 out of 53 countries in the WHO’s European region surpass the recommended maximum salt intake of five grams per day, primarily due to the prevalence of processed foods and snacks.
The WHO emphasizes that elevated salt intake elevates blood pressure, a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Europe bears the highest prevalence of high blood pressure globally, exacerbating the cardiovascular disease burden. Men in Europe face a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases compared to women, with nearly a 2.5-fold difference, according to WHO data.
The likelihood of premature cardiovascular-related mortality (ages 30-69) is almost five times higher in eastern Europe and central Asia compared to western Europe, underscoring regional disparities in cardiovascular health.
Addressing excessive salt consumption and its associated health risks is imperative to curb the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and reduce premature mortality rates across Europe.