High sodium intake increased risk of heart failure in kidney patients new study

A team of analysts found that increased salt intake for those who have chronic kidney disease leads to a higher percentage of heart failure.

A new study conducted by researchers associated with Tulane University in New Orleans revealed that those suffering from chronic kidney disease face higher prospects of heart attack or stroke on a high sodium diet. Led by Dr. Jiang He, the team confirmed, “Moderate sodium reduction among patients with chronic kidney disease and high sodium intake may lower [heart] risk.” U.S. News reports.

Analysts also noted that one in every 10 Americans has chronic kidney disease, and over one-third of the population have heart disease. But the role sodium plays in patients with kidney disease and its contribution to heart attacks remains unknown.

Investigators observed nearly 3,800 patients with chronic kidney disease at several locations throughout the United States. Participants initially supplied urine samples in 2003, and then once every subsequent year over a two-year timespan. Each of their medical histories was tracked through 2013.

A direct link between salt intake and heart attacks wasn’t established. Yet subjects that placed in the 25th percentile had elevated rates of cardiac events records indicated. Take for example a cross reference of participants; over 23 percent of people classified in the high intake category experienced heart failure, in contrast to roughly 13 percent who consumed the least amount of sodium.

Of those designated in the high sodium class, 11 percent experienced a heart attack, against under 8 percent of people with the least amount of intake. The number of strokes cleared 6 percent compared to 3 percent, respectively.

And one expert confirmed the results, but there was one caveat.”It’s entirely possible that what the study suggests is true: that a lower salt intake in the setting of chronic kidney disease could lower heart disease risk,” noted Dr. Naveed Masani, a kidney disease specialist at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y.

“That said, the advice has to be individualized per patient between their primary care doctor, their cardiologist and their nephrologist [kidney specialist],” he added. “One size does not fit all.”

The original report was published in the May 24th issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.