High-Sodium Diet May Increase Risk for Heart Arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, which has been linked to both stroke and heart failure. A new study that monitored over 700 middle-aged men and women for an average of 19 years revealed a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation among those who consumed the most salt. Lead author Dr. Tero Pääkkö adds, “This study provides the first evidence that dietary salt may increase the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation, adding to a growing list of dangers from excessive salt consumption on our cardiovascular health.” Annals of Medicine, November 2018