A recent study has revealed that using potassium-enriched salt substitutes instead of regular salt can substantially reduce stroke-related risks. This subgroup analysis took place within the larger Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS), a massive randomized clinical trial conducted across 600 villages in northern China. The findings indicate a 14% reduction in recurrent stroke rates and a 21% decrease in stroke-related deaths among those using these substitutes. The study followed participants over an average of five years, providing robust data to support these conclusions.
Strokes remain a significant health concern globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 795,000 individuals suffer a stroke annually, with someone succumbing to the condition nearly every three minutes. Alarmingly, nearly one in four strokes are recurrent, affecting individuals who have previously experienced a stroke. These statistics underscore the potential impact of dietary interventions like potassium-enriched salt substitutes on public health.
Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, a physician-scientist and assistant professor at the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, commented on the study's findings. He emphasized the importance of reduced-sodium, potassium-enriched salt substitutes, stating:
“Reduced-sodium replaced by added-potassium salt as substitutes help lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake, which directly reduces vascular strain.” – Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS
Rebecca DiBiase, MD, MPH, assistant professor of vascular neurology at the Yale New Haven Stroke Center, was not involved in the study but offered insights into the broader implications of hypertension on vascular health. She noted:
“Over time [high blood pressure] causes increased stress on the blood vessel walls, causing them to develop plaques and narrowing.” – Rebecca DiBiase, MD, MPH
“Narrowed blood vessels in the heart can make people more likely to have heart attacks, and narrowed blood vessels leading to and inside the brain can make people more likely to experience stroke.” – Rebecca DiBiase, MD, MPH
Beyond salt substitution, Dr. Holland advocated for a holistic approach to dietary changes to bolster neurovascular and cardiovascular health:
“As you can imagine, beyond salt substitution, adopting a broader approach to dietary change—such as increasing fresh fruit and vegetable intake and reducing intake of processed foods, fried fast foods, baked goods—can further enhance neurovascular and cardiovascular health.” – Thomas Holland, MD, MS
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