---
title: "Salt & blood pressure: A hidden health risk"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/27964/salt--blood-pressure-a-hidden-health-risk
published: 2024-01-05T04:04:00Z
language: en
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Salt & blood pressure: A hidden health risk

> Diet plays a significant role in human health, and one potent factor linked to a major health concern – hypertension – is salt intake.

Diet plays a significant role in human health, and one potent factor linked to a major health concern – **hypertension** – is salt intake.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/8798e03a-3272-451d-a4ff-8e45436c87e3.jpg)

Studies estimate that **unhealthy diets contribute to a staggering 50% of all hypertension cases,** with **excessive salt consumption accounting for 30%**.

The gravity of the situation is stark. Globally, **over 10 million lives are lost to hypertension annually.** According to estimates from ansp.md, a staggering **46% of adults worldwide remain unaware of their hypertension**, and only **21% manage to control their blood pressure effectively.**

In Moldova, the picture is similarly concerning. A 2021 study revealed that **35% of adults aged 18-69 have elevated blood pressure**, with a mere **13.4% successfully managing it.**

Risk factors for hypertension fall into two categories: **unmodifiable** (age, family history, ethnicity) and **modifiable** (lifestyle choices). Among the latter, **unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption** stand out as key culprits.

But here's the catch: many underestimate their salt intake. While they may not add salt liberally during cooking, the sodium lurks in everyday items like **chips, crackers, processed foods, sauces, meats, and cheeses.**

Sare, as salt is called in Romanian, also doubles as a **powerful preservative**, making its way into countless products to extend shelf life. Often, **manufacturers mask the excessive saltiness with additional preservatives,** further blurring the lines for unsuspecting consumers.

The result? Salt dissolves, enters the bloodstream, and draws more fluid into the blood vessels. This, in turn, **increases pressure on the heart and vessels, ultimately leading to higher blood pressure and jeopardising overall health.**

**The message is clear:** ditch the excess salt and embrace fresh, unprocessed options. Your heart will thank you.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**