Several factors can lead to high blood pressure, but salt is a known culprit behind the condition. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure can be significantly impacted by your diet. Here’s what you should know about sodium intake and its effect on blood pressure. 

How Does Salt Cause High Blood Pressure?

For some people, salt may have only a minimal effect on blood pressure. For others, it could cause a significant spike. In salt-sensitive people, excess sodium will pull water into the blood vessels, increasing blood volume on the arteries. This in turn elevates blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. 

Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have high blood pressure. For this reason, hypertension is known as a “silent killer,” because although its symptoms aren’t always noticeable, it’s a leading cause for heart disease. To that end, controlling your salt intake is a good idea regardless of whether you’ve been clinically diagnosed with hypertension.

How Can You Control Your Salt Intake?

One of the most obvious ways to reduce salt intake is to limit or avoid using table salt while cooking or eating meals. Consider finding other spices that are free of sodium to flavor your food instead. This is especially important for processed foods, as these typically already have high amounts of added salt.

Some foods may be knowingly high in sodium because they have a salty flavor. Pretzels, chips, and other savory snacks, as well as soups and deli meats, have some of the highest salt levels. 

Yet, many people are surprised to discover that bread, cheeses, poultry, and egg dishes are also high in sodium. If you’re unsure how much sodium you’re getting, start reading the nutrition labels on packaged foods to keep track. 

Dietary Guidelines for Americans call for no more than 2,300 mg of sodium each day. For people with existing hypertension, it may be beneficial to lower the target even further to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have another cardiac concern, turn to Premier Cardiology Consultants in Dothan, AL. For more than 25 years, patients in Houston County and the surrounding area have turned to this practice for quality, comprehensive heart care. See their full range of services online or schedule an appointment by calling (334) 699-6396.