The damaging duo: Obesity and excess dietary salt contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among adults worldwide. In this review, we focus on two of the most critical public health challenges that contribute to hypertension-obesity and excess dietary sodium from salt (i.e., sodium chloride). While the independent effects of these factors have been studied extensively, the interplay of obesity and excess salt overconsumption is not well understood. Here, we discuss both the independent and combined effects of excess obesity and dietary salt given their contributions to vascular dysfunction, autonomic cardiovascular dysregulation, kidney dysfunction, and insulin resistance. We discuss the role of ultra-processed foods-accounting for nearly 60% of energy intake in America-as a major contributor to both obesity and salt overconsumption. We highlight the influence of obesity on elevated blood pressure in the presence of a high-salt diet (i.e., salt sensitivity). Throughout the review, we highlight critical gaps in knowledge that should be filled to inform us of the prevention, management, treatment, and mitigation strategies for addressing these public health challenges.

Automated summary

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. This review focuses on the interplay of obesity and excess dietary sodium from salt in contributing to hypertension. The independent and combined effects of obesity and dietary salt on various health issues, such as vascular dysfunction, autonomic cardiovascular dysregulation, kidney dysfunction, and insulin resistance, are discussed. The role of ultra-processed foods, accounting for nearly 60% of energy intake in America, as a major contributor to both obesity and salt overconsumption is highlighted. The article emphasizes the need to fill critical gaps in knowledge to inform prevention, management, treatment, and mitigation strategies for addressing these public health challenges.