Home / Health / Hidden Salt: Your Silent Heart Threat
Hidden Salt: Your Silent Heart Threat
6 Jan
Summary
- Excess salt intake draws water into the bloodstream, raising blood pressure.
- Hidden salt in processed foods is a major, often unnoticed, health risk.
- High blood pressure is a common, symptomless 'silent killer' of adults.
Excessive salt consumption is a leading cause of high blood pressure, a significant yet often overlooked risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Much of the salt people consume is hidden within processed foods such as bread, cereals, sauces, and ready meals, making it difficult to monitor intake.
This hidden salt can lead to increased water in the bloodstream, elevating blood pressure and placing strain on the heart and blood vessels. This increased strain heightens the risk of serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia, contributing to tens of thousands of deaths each year.
High blood pressure is remarkably common, affecting approximately 30% of adults in England, many of whom are undiagnosed due to its lack of symptoms. It is frequently termed a 'silent killer,' yet its impact on public health is profound, underscoring the critical need for greater awareness and dietary changes.
