High salt intake causes arterial stiffness, Moldovan doctors warn
Excessive salt consumption significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, Moldovan medical experts warned during a recent broadcast on Radio Moldova’s „Zi de Zi” program.
While salt remains essential for maintaining the body’s fluid balance, health professionals emphasize that moderating daily intake is critical to reducing strokes and cardiac conditions.
National guidelines and fluid balance
University Professor Grigore Friptuleac explained that while salt is necessary for vital biological functions, excessive amounts damage vascular health.
According to Moldova's national program for the eradication of iodine deficiency disorders, the standard recommended intake is limited to six grams per day.
Although salt supports nerve transmission, muscle contractions, and blood pressure regulation, international clinical data increasingly identifies it as a primary cardiovascular risk factor.
Arterial stiffness and hypertension limits
For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, daily salt intake must be restricted even more strictly to just two grams per day.
University Professor and Cardiologist Eleonora Vatamanu stated that excess salt severely compromises blood vessel elasticity, preventing arteries from expanding and contracting naturally.
Table salt directly induces arterial stiffness, stripping blood vessels of their natural capacity to self-regulate blood pressure, Vatamanu added. She noted that restricting salt can restore vascular wall health and recover the body’s autonomous regulatory mechanisms.
Global health targets
Public health data indicates that capping daily salt intake at five grams globally could decrease stroke incidence by 23 percent and cardiovascular diseases by 17 percent.
Consequently, the World Health Organization continues to urge populations to lower salt consumption as a direct measure to reduce premature mortality rates.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
