Accurate measurement of sodium intake demonstrates that dietary sodium reduction prevents cardiovascular disease, with pooled trial data showing a 23% decrease in cardiovascular events.
Does reducing dietary sodium lower the risk of cardiovascular disease?
The paradoxical association between low dietary sodium intake and increased cardiovascular disease risk seen in some studies is likely not causal, supporting continued recommendations for sodium reduction.
The benefit of reducing dietary sodium for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease has been questioned because some studies have also linked low sodium intake with increased CVD risk. Application of Hill's criteria, however, indicates that the association is not causal.
Cogswell et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Cardiovascular disease. Dietary sodium reduction vs. Usual or high sodium intake was evaluated. Accurate measurement of sodium intake demonstrates that dietary sodium reduction prevents cardiovascular disease, with pooled trial data showing a 23% decrease in cardiovascular events.