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Salt consumption high in India

Adult hypertension prevalence has risen dramatically over the past three decades

Chennai: A sharp increase in salt intake may ring an alarm bell indicating the shooting up of blood pressure, for hypertension is the leading non-communicable disease (NCD) risk and is estimated to cause nearly 10 per cent of all deaths.Adult hypertension prevalence has risen dramatically over the past three decades from 5 per cent to between 20-40 per cent in the urban areas and 12-17 per cent in the rural areas.

It is estimated that 16 per cent of ischaemic heart disease, 21 per cent of peripheral vascular disease, 24 per cent of acute myocardial infarctions and 29 per cent of strokes are attributed to hypertension underlining the huge impact effective hypertension prevention and control can have on reducing the rising burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to ICMR sources.

Hypertension is easily diagnosable and treatable with lifestyle modifications and effective medicines. It’s control ensures an entry point to deal with other NCDs.Realising the importance of addressing the problems arising out of BP, the Cardiological Society of India has proposed to take up a nation-wide salt reduction programme aiming to reduce incidence of blood pressure, heart disease and stroke among the people.


According to the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), it is estimated that hypertension in India will rise to nearly 21.5 crores by 2030 with increased risk of premature heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.India records high salt consumption, ranging between 10 and 12 grams per day. According to Prof Reddy, president of PHFI & president of World Heart Federation, vegetable and fruit intake is poor resulting in poor sodium-potassium balance.

India’s salt reduction campaign will focus on a public education drive to reduce the proportion of salt consumed in cooked foods and at the table, and bringing in regulations to restrict the amount of salt in processed foods in association with the food safety and standards agency of India.

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