Cutting Salt Could Save Thousands from Heart Disease and Stroke in Europe

Cutting down on salt could bring major health improvements across Europe, according to recent studies. In the U.K., meeting sodium targets by 2024 may slash heart disease and stroke cases over two decades. France also stands to gain, with fewer deaths expected from lower blood pressure if salt in bread is reduced.

A U.K. study found that fully hitting 2024 sodium-reduction goals would cut average salt intake by 17.5% per person. This change could prevent around 103,000 cases of ischemic heart disease and 25,000 strokes over 20 years. Hospital stays for heart disease might fall by 1.04%, while strokes could drop by up to 1.05%.

The health benefits would also extend to quality of life and finances. Researchers estimate 243,000 extra quality-adjusted life years and £1 billion in savings for the National Health Service. These gains align with World Health Organization guidelines, which advise consuming less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily. In France, a separate study focused on reducing salt in bread—a staple food. Cutting salt by 0.35 grams per person each day could prevent roughly 1,186 deaths annually. The research noted that men would benefit more than women from this change. Both studies highlight the value of broad salt-reduction strategies. The American Heart Association currently suggests a daily sodium limit of 2,300 mg, with an ideal cap of 1,500 mg for most adults. No U.S. organization has yet proposed a 2025 rule for salt in commercially prepared foods.

The findings suggest that even modest salt reductions could lead to fewer heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. For the U.K., this means long-term healthcare savings and better public health. In France, targeting salt in bread could offer a simple but effective way to improve longevity.