Estimation of mean salt intake in Lithuania by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: High salt intake is associated with increased arterial blood pressure, high risk of other preventable cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy and higher mortality. WHO strongly recommends to take less than 5 g of salt per day.The aim of this study was to evaluate mean salt intake by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and correlations with arterial blood pressure in Lithuanian population. DESIGN AND METHOD: 1034 participants of age 18-69 years were invited to participate in the study and collect 24-hour urine using random sample design. Their blood pressure (BP) was measured 3 times. Arterial hypertension was defined as systolic or diastolic BP > 140/90 mmHg. 146 participants were excluded due to incomplete or inaccurate urine collection and 24 h urinary creatinine excretion outside 2 standard deviations of the sex-specific distribution. RESULTS: 888 participants were included in a final analysis. An average age of participants was 47,4 years and 52,48% were women. Mean calculated salt intake in Lithuania was 10 ± 5,3 g/d. Only 12,5% of subjects consumed WHO recommended salt amount. Results varied between groups: mean salt consumption in males was 11,7 ± 5,8 g/d vs. in females 8,4 ± 4,1 g/d (p < 0,001). 35,1% of participants has hypertension. Female participants had lower mean BP (systolic 119,1 mmHg vs. 129,7 mmHg, diastolic 75,7 mmHg vs. 80,4 mmHg). Sodium excretion and male sex had significant impact on systolic blood pressure in the multiple linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Salt consumption in Lithuania extremely exceeds recommended amount. Females use less salt and have lower blood pressure.