Higher Normal Sodium Levels Associated with Greater Heart Disease Risk
A new study reveals that sodium levels at the higher end of the normal range may increase the risk of hypertension and heart failure, highlighting the importance of hydration in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Recent research from Bar-Ilan University indicates that sodium levels at the upper end of the normal range, previously considered safe, may significantly increase the risk of developing hypertension and heart failure. The study analyzed electronic health records spanning two decades from over 407,000 healthy adults enrolled in Israel's Leumit Healthcare Services, making it one of the most comprehensive investigations into hydration status and cardiovascular health to date.
The findings showed that individuals with sodium levels of 140–142 mmol/L, still within the standard "normal" range of 135–146 mmol/L, had a 13% higher likelihood of developing hypertension. Even more concerning, sodium levels above 143 mmol/L were linked to a 29% increased risk of hypertension and a 20% higher risk of heart failure. Importantly, nearly 60% of the studied healthy adults had sodium values in these ranges associated with higher risks.
The study’s results remained consistent after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, smoking status, and potassium levels, and excluded those with water balance-affecting conditions. This suggests a strong, long-term association between higher sodium levels within the normal spectrum and cardiovascular disease risk.
Lead researcher Prof. Jonathan Rabinowitz emphasized the importance of hydration in disease prevention, advocating that simple blood tests could help identify individuals who might benefit from lifestyle adjustments, such as increased water intake, to reduce sodium levels. Collaborating with Dr. Natalia Dmitrieva from the NIH, Rabinowitz highlighted that hydration is often overlooked but could serve as a crucial factor in reducing the risk of hypertension and heart failure.
These insights are especially relevant amid an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. They point towards potential updates in clinical guidelines, emphasizing hydration and sodium management as preventive strategies for cardiovascular health.
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