Impact of salt intake reduction on CVD mortality in Costa Rica: A scenario modelling study

PLoS One. 2021 Jan 12;16(1):e0245388. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245388. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of death in Costa Rica and high blood pressure was associated with a mortality rate of 29% in 2018. The average household sodium intake in the country is also two times higher than the World Health Organization recommendation. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of reducing salt intake on CVD mortality in Costa Rica using a scenario simulation model. The Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME) was used to estimate the number of deaths that would be averted or delayed in the Costa Rican population by following the national and the international guidelines to reduce salt consumption, according to two scenarios: A) 46% reduction and B) 15% reduction, both at an energy intake of 2171 kcal. The scenarios estimated that between 4% and 13%, respectively, of deaths due to CVD would be prevented or postponed. The highest percentages of deaths prevented or postponed by type of CVD would be related to Coronary heart disease (39% and 38%, respectively), Hypertensive disease (32% and 33%, respectively), and Stroke (22% in both). The results demonstrate that reducing salt consumption could prevent or postpone an important number of deaths in Costa Rica. More support for existing policies and programs urges.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Costa Rica / epidemiology
  • Diet, Sodium-Restricted*
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sodium, Dietary / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Sodium, Dietary

Grants and funding

A.B.M. awarded IDRC PROJECT 108167, from "The International Development Reserch Center of Canada". Website: https://www.idrc.ca/en The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.