Four out of every ten annual deaths in Europe have the same cause: cardiovascular disease. Or what is the same: 10,000 deaths a day or four million a year from heart-related conditions. «It is an astonishing figure, but the worst thing is that we know … how to reduce it,” says Hans Henri P. Kluge, regional director of the World Health Organization for Europe.
Behind these deaths lie heart problems, in some cases congenital and in others derived from daily life and lifestyle. “In the latter case they can be controlled and monitored,” says the WHO director. The latest report from this agency dependent on the United Nations is focused on the surveillance and resolution of cardiac problems under the title ‘Action on salt and hypertension’. “The majority of people in Europe consume too much salt,” concludes the research.
Specifically, per capita consumption in the Old Continent is close to one kilogram per year. Daily intake is between 9 and 19 grams per day, well above the 5 grams as the maximum level recommended by the WHO. “Almost all countries in the region exceed it and put the health of their population at risk,” adds the research.
«Implementing specific policies to reduce salt consumption by 25% could save approximately 900,000 lives»
Excessive salt consumption is related to many cardiovascular diseases and is the main factor in hypertension, “the main risk factor for death and disability in Europe,” says the WHO.
According to their data, more than one in three European adults between 30 and 79 years old has hypertension. “Street food and processed foods are often the main culprits,” the researchers note. “Implementing specific policies to reduce salt consumption by 25% could save approximately 900,000 lives due to cardiovascular diseases by 2030,” they conclude.
Limit salt
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death and disability in Europe, causing almost a quarter of deaths and 13% of disabilities. It usually has no symptoms and, if left uncontrolled, can lead to potentially devastating consequences, such as heart attacks and strokes.
This new report promotes an integrated approach to reducing salt consumption and better controlling hypertension levels. Among the proposals, the World Health Organization proposes establishing mandatory limits on the amount of salt in commonly consumed foods, including manufactured foods and foods served in food establishments and canteens.
42.6%
of the Spanish adult population
she is hypertensive
The authors of the investigation denounce the business of the food industry. “Foods with high salt content tend to generate higher profits, but the truth is that these foods put customers’ health at risk.”
However, the food sector is not the only one highlighted; the healthcare sector also receives several recommendations. Hypertension is one of the main underdiagnosed diseases and “should be treated with standardized treatment protocols in primary care settings,” warns the WHO. “It is essential to improve access to essential medications and medical devices for people diagnosed with hypertension,” they add.
In Spain, 42.6% of the Spanish adult population is hypertensive, more men (49.9%) than women (37.1%). But 37.4% of hypertensive patients are undiagnosed, more men (43.3%) than women (31.5%). “It is essential to improve access to essential medications and medical devices for people diagnosed with hypertension,” they highlight. “With these measures, decision makers can reduce annual deaths by almost one million,” they say.
