Salt reduction may offer cardioprotective effects

Reducing salt intake not only helps reduce blood pressure, but also cuts risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

The study led by Kacie Dickinson of Flinders University, South Australia showed that salt reduction might offer cardioprotective effects.

"Reducing your salt intake provides more benefit than a decrease in blood pressure," said ASN Spokesperson Mary Ann Johnson, PhD.

The study provides "further evidence of the importance of decreasing sodium intake to improve blood vessel health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

"These researchers showed that sodium reduction is beneficial for people who have normal blood pressure and those who are overweight or obese, and the benefits start in just a few weeks," Johnson said.

"Regardless of one's body weight or blood pressure, sodium reduction offers many health benefits," she added.

The findings are published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.