Beware of salt: spotlight of World Congress of Cardiology 2014

The World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) will convene leading experts across the world in Melbourne, Australia from 4–7 May to debate and present the latest findings in heart health.

One of the key topics to be discussed will be on the importance of national targets to reduce premature mortality related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as dietary salt guidelines.

Experts agree that most populations consume too much salt, a habit which is linked to one of the main risk factors of CVD, hypertension or raised blood pressure. Out of 17.3 million CVD related deaths each year, over half of them – 9.4 million – are linked to hypertension.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults should have no more than 5g of salt a day – less than one full teaspoon. However, in most countries the average person consumes between 9 and 12 g a day.

The majority of salt we eat is already in our food, with an estimated 75% of our salt intake in everyday processed foods such as bread, breakfast cereal and processed meats. If people were aware of how much salt was hidden in foods and adhered to the current salt intake guidelines, more than 2.5 million deaths could be prevented each year.  

 

Yet the number of CVD deaths is rising; by 2030 it is estimated to increase to over 23 million. There are increasing calls in the international community to further lower the recommended daily salt allowance to reduce premature CVD mortality.

But the question remains, what is the ideal target and how can we achieve it? At WCC, experts will discuss the benefits and feasibility of food reformulation, and low sodium and salt guidelines, and the approaches needed to encourage uptake at a national level.

“The World Congress of Cardiology is unique in its role as the global platform for cardiovascular health and outcomes-based approaches. No other Congress brings together such a broad array of regional and global leaders to share the latest science and share best practice in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease in a variety of clinical settings, benefitting patients in countries around the world,” said Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, President, World Heart Federation.

The World Congress of Cardiology is a major bi-annual international conference tackling the world’s most pressing issues in cardiovascular health and disease. With an international presence of 100 countries, attendees will have access to over 500 expert speakers, 285 scientific sessions and more than 1000 oral and poster presentations, covering the latest clinical and policy research in cardiovascular disease control.