Recommended Daily Sodium Intake for a Cardiac Diet

Tiered Sodium Intake Recommendations

• The American College of Cardiology recommends consuming no more than 2,400 mg of sodium per day as the primary target for adults with cardiovascular concerns 1, 2, 3
• Further reduction to 1,500 mg/day can result in even greater reduction in blood pressure and is particularly beneficial for people with hypertension 6
• Further reduction to 1,500 mg/day can result in even greater reduction in blood pressure and is particularly beneficial for African Americans 7, 6
• Reducing sodium intake by at least 1,000 mg/day from current levels will lower blood pressure 1, 3, 5

Population-Specific Considerations

• The World Health Organization recommends reducing sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day (5 g salt) for the general population 6

Clinical Benefits of Sodium Restriction

• Reducing sodium intake lowers blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease 1, 2, 7
• The American Heart Association maintains its recommendation for <1,500 mg/day based on the robust evidence linking sodium reduction to blood pressure lowering 7

Practical Implementation

• Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, dietary fiber, whole grains, and plant proteins 6
• Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings to enhance flavor without adding sodium 6

Monitoring and Adherence

• Even a modest reduction in sodium intake is likely to result in substantial health benefits 7