One in 10 Cardiovascular Deaths Associated with High Sodium Intake

A recent modeling study consisting of data from 66 countries found 1.65 million deaths from cardiovascular causes that occurred in 2010 were attributed to sodium consumption above a reference level of 2.0 g per day, the limit recommended by the World Health Organization. The NEJMfindings indicate that sodium intake above this recommendation accounts for almost 1 in 10 cardiovascular deaths globally each year. Four of every 5 deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, and 2 of every 5 deaths were before 70 years of age. The average level of global sodium consumption was 3.95 g per day.