CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

WORLDWIDE

Of the estimated 57 million global deaths in 2008, an astonishing 30% are due to cardiovascular diseases. It is projected that the annual number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease will grow from 17 million in 2008 to 25 million in 2030. The World Health Organization considers that those numbers could be reduced by half by proper prevention. As the first cause of high blood pressure, excessive Sodium consumption is at the heart of this prevention strategy.

"It has been estimated that raised blood pressure causes 51% of stroke deaths and 45% of coronary heart disease deaths." World Health Organization

UNITED KINGDOM

Stroke
A stroke occurs when part of the blood flow to the brain is cut off. This causes a break in the oxygen supply, causing cells to die. Stroke is the third most common cause of death in England and Wales, with an estimated 150,000 strokes and mini strokes and 67,000 deaths from strokes every year. This equates to 9% of male and 13% of female deaths.
Stroke has a greater disability impact compared to any other chronic disease. The outcomes of strokes are wide ranging, but sufferers can experience paralysis, speech impediment and memory problems which can be highly frustrating and difficult for both the individual and the family. Over 300,000 people are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of stroke. The direct cost of stroke to the NHS is estimated to be £2.8 billion.

Coronary heart disease (CHD
CHD is the term used to describe what happens when the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked. Raised blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases including heart attacks and heart failure. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can lead to a thickening of the heart muscle which can reduce the effectiveness of the heart pumping action.
CHD is the UK's biggest killer, with one in every four men and one in every six women dying from the disease. In the UK, approximately 300,000 people have a heart attack each year

For more inforation see article

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

About 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended. Too much sodium increases a person’s risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure often leads to heart disease and stroke. Research estimates that reducing the nation's collective consumption of sodium could lower medical treatment costs by about $18 billion a year and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, says a new RAND Corp. study. The study estimated that meeting national sodium guidelines could eliminate 11 million cases of hypertension and extend the lives of thousands each year. 

For more inforation see article