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Increased sodium more likely to predispose children to high BP
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Children who consumed higher amounts of sodium were at an increased risk for higher blood pressure, and this association was even higher among children who were overweight, according to results of a CDC study.
Quanhe Yang, PhD, and colleagues from the division of heart disease and stroke prevention at the CDC estimated average daily sodium intake of 6,235 children aged 8 to 18 years who participated in NHANES 2003-2008. The researchers used dietary recalls and found that children consumed about 3,387 mg/day of sodium, despite the recommendation of only about 2,300 mg sodium or less for adults in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.
The researchers said the risk for high BP among overweight children climbed 74% for every 1,000 mg of increased sodium intake per day.
In a statement, officials with the American Heart Association said the study demonstrates a need to restrict sodium intake to prevent cardiovascular problems later on.
Yang and colleagues agreed: “Evidence-based interventions that help participants reduce their sodium intake, increase their physical activity, and attain or maintain a healthy weight may help reduce the greater than expected prevalence of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease risk factors among children and adolescents.”
Disclosure: Yang reports no relevant financial disclosures. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the researchers and do not necessarily represent the official position of the CDC.
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