Black and other ethnic minorities, as well as younger individuals, seem to be at the most risk. Although limiting salt consumption is thought to be an important part of treating heart failure, research published in the journal Heart reveals that doing so too severely may potentially make things wor
The study found that limiting salt consumption too strictly may worsen the outcomes of a common kind of heart failure.Although limiting salt consumption is thought to be an important part of treating heart failure, research published in the journalreveals that doing so too severely may potentially make things worse for those who have a common form of the condition.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which makes up half of all instances of heart failure, happens when the left ventricle, the lower left chamber of the heart, is unable to fill with blood properly , resulting in less blood being pumped into the body. Participants were asked how much salt they routinely added to the cooking of staples, such as rice, pasta, and potatoes; soup; meat; and vegetables, and this was scored as: 0 points ; 1 ; 2 ; and 3 .
They had also been admitted to hospital more often for heart failure, were more likely to have type 2 diabetes, have poorer kidney function, be taking meds to control their heart failure, and have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction . Similarly, those of black and other ethnicities seemed to benefit more from adding salt to their cooking compared with those of white ethnicity, although the numbers were small.
Lower sodium intake is usually associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in the general public and in those with high blood pressure. It is thought that it reduces fluid retention and the triggering of the hormones involved in blood pressure regulation.