According to the latest WHO report, 10,000 people die every day from cardiovascular diseases in Europe
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report today that most people in Europe have high salt intake, with more than a third of adults aged 30 to 79 suffering from high blood pressure. The report calls for comprehensive measures to reduce salt intake and strengthen the detection and control of hypertension to protect people's health.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. More than four-fifths of cardiovascular deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur in people under the age of 70. High salt intake increases blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease leads to premature death
According to WHO, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disability and premature death in the European region, accounting for 4 million deaths each year and more than 42.5% of all deaths in the region. This means that 10,000 people die every day.
According to the report, men in the region are almost 2.5 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than women. In addition, there are regional differences, with the probability of premature death due to cardiovascular disease (30-69 years) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia being almost five times higher than in Western Europe.
At the same time, almost all countries in the European region (51 out of 53 countries) have an average daily salt intake that exceeds the WHO's recommended maximum limit of 5 grams (about one teaspoon) per person per day. Street food and processed foods are often the culprits.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said that cardiovascular disease and hypertension are largely preventable and controllable. Targeted policies to reduce salt intake by just 25% could save the lives of an estimated 900,000 people with cardiovascular disease by 2030.
The adoption of mandatory policy reports suggests that measures are needed to keep salt intake within the maximum intake recommended by WHO.
These policies include mandatory restrictions on the amount of added salt in foods consumed on a daily basis, including processed foods, and in foods served in food stores and canteens; Mandatory salt content on the front of the package to increase consumers' right to know and help them make healthier choices; and public awareness campaigns to support behavioural change and reduce salt intake.
The report also points out that from the perspective of the food industry, high-salt foods tend to generate the most profits. However, these foods put the health of customers at risk. Reducing salt intake through mandatory reformulation can have a multiplier effect and ultimately save lives.
