The American Heart Association (AHA) recently released a statement that strongly refutes the results of a study that shows low sodium intake is connected to higher chances of heart disease and death.
Instead, the AHA insists that the connection between high sodium intake and high blood pressure is definite. The organization also link high sodium intake with greater chances for stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and heart failure.
“The findings in this study are not valid, and you shouldn’t use it to inform yourself about how you’re going to eat,” AHA President Mark Creager said. “The large body of science clearly shows how excessive amounts of sodium in the American diet can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and even death.”
Despite the findings that were published in The Lancet, the AHA insists that is more crucial than ever for patients to reduce their sodium consumption.
“The public should not be confused by the flawed study reported in The Lancet,” Daniel Jones, former president of the AHA, said. “The American Heart Association and many other reputable organizations urge the vast majority of persons around the globe to consume less sodium. This study offers no credible evidence that lower sodium intake can be harmful. And many other well-done studies support the recommendation of the association to limit daily sodium intake to 1500mg per day.”
