We Can Reduce Dietary Sodium, Save Money, and Save Lives

Most Americans consume far more salt than is healthy;the average sodium intake has increased over the past 30 years from already high levels to more than double the recommended amount (1, 2). Excess sodium consump-tion increases blood pressure (3); each 20–mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure above 115 mm Hg doubles the risk for heart attack and stroke (4), which are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, respec-tively (5). These effects of increased blood pressure on heart attack and stroke begin to occur at blood pressures that are well below levels at which drug treatment of hy-pertension is recommended currently (6). Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people aged 60 years or older and second among those aged 15 to 59 years; half or more of all strokes and heart attacks are attributable to high blood pressur