Higher Salt Sensitivity Linked to Increased High Blood Pressure Risk: Here’s What to Do

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Growing evidence finds that women, regardless of ethnicity or age, are more salt-sensitive than men. This can increase their risk for high blood pressure (hypertension) and the health issues that come with it.

Nearly 1.3 billion adults from 30 to 79 years old worldwide have hypertension, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. Since 1990, the number of people with hypertension has doubled.

Higher Salt Sensitivity Linked to Greater Blood Pressure Increase

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recommended amount of salt per day is less than 2,300 milligrams, or about 1 teaspoon. However, the average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day.