Blood Pressure UK is urging people in the UK to reduce their intake of high-salt foods such as ham, bacon, and cheese in order to lower their risk of heart attack or stroke. High salt consumption contributes to high blood pressure, a leading cause of avoidable deaths in the country. The charity estimates that up to 4 million Britons may have undiagnosed high blood pressure, as the condition often has no obvious symptoms.
The NHS advises consuming no more than 6g of salt per day, but average intake has remained around 8g since the 2000s. Treating high blood pressure costs the NHS more than £2bn a year in England. Foods such as bacon can contain high levels of salt, with one serving providing a significant portion of the recommended daily limit.
Blood Pressure UK recommends reducing salt intake by not adding it to food at the table, avoiding stock cubes and processed foods, and opting for fresh fruits and vegetables. The charity’s estimate of 4 million undiagnosed cases of high blood pressure aligns with NHS England data.
NHS England is launching a new initiative to offer blood pressure checks during dental and eye exams to detect undiagnosed cases of hypertension. Globally, an estimated 1.28 billion adults have high blood pressure, with 80% of cases not well-controlled. By making simple changes to diet and lifestyle, individuals can take control of their health and reduce their risk of heart problems.
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