Association between Salt Intake and Hypertension in Adult Populations

Background: Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity.Excessive dietary salt intake is a modifiable risk factor for its pathogenesis.In Bangladesh, rising hypertension rates parallel the prevalence of high-salt dietary habits.This study aimed to examine the association between salt intake and hypertension in adults and to assess related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP).Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September 2024 to March 2025.A total of 120 adults were enrolled in the study.Data were collected from outpatient department of Cardiology.Salt intake was categorized as <5, 5-10, and >10 g/day.Blood pressure, demographic details, BMI, and KAP metrics were recorded.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and a p-value 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Among the participants, 35.0% were hypertensive.The prevalence of hypertension increased with salt intake: 8.3% (<5 g/day), 27.8% (5-10 g/day), and 61.1% (>10 g/day).A significant association was found between salt intake >10 g/day and hypertension (OR = 15.4;;P = 0.01).Although 69.17% of participants acknowledged the health risks of salt, only 20.00% used low-sodium alternatives. Conclusion:High salt intake was significantly associated with hypertension in Bangladeshi adults.Despite this awareness, salt-related practices remain suboptimal.Therefore, public health strategies are urgently needed to curb excessive salt consumption.