Abstract
BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in adults in Argentina. Sodium reduction policies targeting processed foods were implemented in 2011 in Argentina, but the impact has not been evaluated. The aims of this study are to use Argentina-specific data on sodium excretion and project the impact of Argentina’s sodium reduction policies under two scenarios - the 2-year intervention currently being undertaken or a more persistent 10 year sodium reduction strategy.MethodsWe used Argentina-specific data on sodium excretion by sex and projected the impact of the current strategy on sodium consumption and blood pressure decrease. We assessed the projected impact of sodium reduction policies on CVD using the Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Policy Model, adapted to Argentina, modeling two alternative policy scenarios over the next decade.ResultsOur study finds that the initiative to reduce sodium consumption currently in place in Argentina will have substantial impact on CVD over the next 10 years. Under the current proposed policy of 2-year sodium reduction, the mean sodium consumption is projected to decrease by 319–387 mg/day. This decrease is expected to translate into an absolute reduction of systolic blood pressure from 0.93 mmHg to 1.81 mmHg. This would avert about 19,000 all-cause mortality, 13,000 total myocardial infarctions, and 10,000 total strokes over the next decade. A more persistent sodium reduction strategy would yield even greater CVD benefits.ConclusionThe impact of the Argentinean initiative would be effective in substantially reducing mortality and morbidity from CVD. This paper provides evidence-based support to continue implementing strategies to reduce sodium consumption at a population level.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. [1] In Argentina, CVD is the number one cause of death in adults, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths. [2] Population based strategies to reduce consumption of dietary sodium have been proposed to decrease the burden of these diseases and are considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘‘best buy’’ for prevention of chronic conditions
[3] no studies have measured sodium consumption in Argentina, consensus among experts suggests that current sodium intake is at least double of the WHO 2000 mg/day recommendation
In 2011, a study by Ferrante et al demonstrated the feasibility of reducing sodium content in processed food in Argentina, [5] which supported the Ministry of Health (MoH) initiatives on sodium consumption
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. [1] In Argentina, CVD is the number one cause of death in adults, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths. [2] Population based strategies to reduce consumption of dietary sodium have been proposed to decrease the burden of these diseases and are considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘‘best buy’’ for prevention of chronic conditions. In 2011, a study by Ferrante et al demonstrated the feasibility of reducing sodium content in processed food in Argentina, [5] which supported the Ministry of Health (MoH) initiatives on sodium consumption. More Life’’) requires food companies to reduce 5% to 15% of the sodium content of four groups of food: 1) processed meats; 2) cheese and dairy products; 3) soups and dressings; and 4) cereals, cookies, pizza and pasta (farinaceous). This campaign aims to reduce sodium intake in a two-year’s time frame, the impact has not been assessed to date. The aims of this study are to use Argentina-specific data on sodium excretion and project the impact of Argentina’s sodium reduction policies under two scenarios - the 2-year intervention currently being undertaken or a more persistent 10 year sodium reduction strategy
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