Dr. Roberto Martín Reyes in the Research Team program
43% of Spaniards suffer from hypertension, although the majority is not diagnosed. Cardiologists, nephrologists and traumatologists warn of the risks of high salt consumption, which in Spain amounts to 3,5 kilos per adult annually.
"A high salt intake leads to high blood pressure, which poses a risk of cardiovascular diseases , including heart problems such as angina, heart attack, and heart failure," cardiologist Roberto Martín explained on the research program Equipo de Investigación . "It also increases the risk of stroke and kidney damage, which can result from chronically high blood pressure," he added.
Nephrologist María Marqués also warns that salt is behind 60% of heart attacks and 80% of kidney problems. "Excess salt makes the kidneys work harder because they aren't designed to eliminate excess salt, and this results in increased blood pressure and hypertension, which ultimately damages the kidneys," she explains.