A small reduction in daily salt intake could mean fewer heart attacks, strokes and deaths. Researchers estimate cutting back by half a teaspoon a day could prevent 92,000 deaths and nearly 100,000 heart attacks every year. The benefits of cutting salt intake are on a par with reducing smoking and could save the US about 24 billion dollars in healthcare costs. Salt consumption and blood pressure have risen by 50% since the 1970s. If we reduced our daily salt intake by 3 grams a day, about half a teaspoon, the result would be: 13% fewer heart attacks, 11% fewer new cases of heart disease, 8% fewer strokes, and 4% fewer deaths. In addition to its independent benefits on blood pressure, reducing salt intake can enhance the effects of most blood pressure lowering agents and reduce complications associated with diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. The average American man eats more than 10 grams of salt a day. The recommended daily limit is 5.8 grams. New York City and other state and local municipalities are about to join a national movement seeking to reduce salt intake by 25%. For every dollar spent in regulating salt, anywhere from seven to 76 healthcare dollars could be saved.
New England Journal of Medicine, January 2010