Researchers looked at data from around the world to understand how eating too much salt affects heart disease. They studied information from 1990 to 2021 and made predictions about what might happen until 2035. The good news is that fewer people are dying from salt-related heart disease each year. However, because the world’s population is growing and people are living longer, the total number of people affected by this problem is still very high. The study shows that different countries need different solutions to help people eat less salt and protect their hearts.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much heart disease around the world is caused by people eating too much salt, and what might happen in the future if nothing changes
  • Who participated: This wasn’t a study where people participated. Instead, researchers collected and analyzed health information from many countries around the world over 30+ years
  • Key finding: While the rate of salt-related heart disease deaths per person is going down, the total number of people suffering from this problem remains very high because more people are being born and living longer
  • What it means for you: Eating less salt is still really important for your heart health. Even though medical care is improving, preventing the problem in the first place by reducing salt intake is one of the best things you can do

The Research Details

This research is called a ‘systematic analysis,’ which means scientists gathered all the available health information from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021—one of the biggest health databases in the world. They looked at data about deaths, illnesses, and disabilities caused by eating too much salt from 1990 all the way to 2021. The researchers organized this information by country, age group, gender, and wealth level to see patterns. They then used special computer models to predict what might happen through 2035 if current trends continue.

This type of research is important because it shows us the big picture of a health problem across the entire world. Instead of just looking at one country or one group of people, scientists can see which areas are most affected and understand how the problem is changing over time. This helps governments and health organizations decide where to focus their efforts to help people the most.

This study used data from a well-respected global health database that many countries contribute to, which makes it reliable. However, the study depends on the quality of information from different countries, and some countries have better health records than others. The predictions for the future are based on current trends, so they could change if people start eating less salt or if other things change unexpectedly.

What the Results Show

The research found that eating too much salt is responsible for a huge number of heart disease cases worldwide. Between 1990 and 2021, the rate of people dying from salt-related heart disease per 100,000 people actually went down, which is good news. This happened because doctors got better at treating heart disease and some people started eating less salt. However, because the world’s population grew and more people got older (and older people are more likely to have heart disease), the total number of people affected stayed very high. The study found that this problem affects different countries in different ways—some countries have much bigger problems with salt-related heart disease than others.

The researchers discovered that men and women are affected differently by eating too much salt, and that wealthier countries sometimes have different patterns than poorer countries. The predictions for 2035 suggest that unless something changes, the number of people suffering from salt-related heart disease will continue to be a major health problem. The study also showed that the problem is getting worse in some regions while improving in others, depending on local eating habits and healthcare quality.

Previous research has shown that salt is bad for your heart, and this study confirms that finding on a global scale. It adds new information by showing us exactly how big the problem is in different parts of the world and predicting future trends. The study supports what doctors have been saying for years: reducing salt intake is one of the most important things people can do to prevent heart disease.

This study looked at data that countries reported, and not all countries have equally good health records. Some information had to be estimated rather than measured directly. The predictions for 2035 assume that current trends will continue, but things could change if people make different choices about their diet or if new treatments become available. The study also couldn’t prove that salt causes heart disease in individual people—it only shows the connection at a population level.

The Bottom Line

Eat less salt every day. The World Health Organization recommends that adults eat less than 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoon). This means reading food labels, cooking at home more often, and choosing fresh foods instead of processed foods. This recommendation has strong evidence behind it and is appropriate for most healthy adults. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, talk to your doctor about your specific salt intake goals.

Everyone should care about this, especially people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of heart problems. People over 50 should be particularly careful because heart disease risk increases with age. If you’re generally healthy and young, reducing salt is still a good idea for long-term heart health. People with certain kidney conditions should talk to their doctor about salt limits.

You might notice improvements in blood pressure within a few weeks of eating less salt. However, the real benefits for heart health develop over months and years. Think of it like brushing your teeth—you don’t see the benefit of preventing cavities immediately, but over time it makes a huge difference.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily sodium intake by logging the foods you eat. Most nutrition apps show sodium content automatically. Aim to stay under 2,300 mg per day (about one teaspoon of salt), and ideally under 1,500 mg if you have high blood pressure.
  • Use the app to find and save low-sodium versions of your favorite foods. When you’re at the grocery store, scan barcodes to compare sodium levels between similar products and choose the lower-sodium option. Set a daily reminder to drink water instead of salty snacks.
  • Check your weekly sodium average in the app and set a goal to reduce it by 10% each month. If you have a blood pressure monitor, track how your blood pressure changes as you reduce salt intake. Share your progress with your doctor at regular checkups.

This research shows a connection between eating too much salt and heart disease, but it doesn’t replace medical advice from your doctor. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other health conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before making major changes to your diet. This study provides general information for public health purposes and should not be used to diagnose or treat any individual’s medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional about your personal health needs.