Excessive salt in food is causing major damage and illness to Irish people, but the situation can be radically changed as has been proven in Korea and other countries writes Dr Catherine Conlon<\/p>\n
As the latest check of the nation\u2019s health in Health in Ireland: Key Trends 2025 was published, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill highlighted how Ireland has made large strides in recent years. \u201cWe have the eighth highest life expectancy in the EU, and the highest self- reported good health,\u201d the Minister said.<\/p>\n
What was not revealed in the figures, is that Ireland has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure (BP) in the world, as well as ranking among the lowest in terms of diagnosis, treatment and control of the condition.<\/p>\n
This matters, because high blood pressure, the \u2018silent killer\u2019, significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and premature death. Yet, early detection, regular monitoring and sustained treatment can prevent most conditions caused by sustained high BP.<\/p>\n
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Just over half (55 per cent) of ischaemic heart disease, half (50 per cent) of ischaemic stroke and more than half (58 per cent) of other cardiovascular conditions have been attributed to high BP. It is the single biggest risk factor globally for \u2018all cause mortality\u2019 leading to just under 10 million deaths a year with 1.4 billion people affected.<\/p>\n
A study in the Lancet (2021) of people from 12 high-income countries, found that Irish men and women were least likely to have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, given medication to treat it, or to have it controlled.<\/p>\n
Treatment is a combination of medication and lifestyle factors; including weight management, physical activity, salt restriction, alcohol reduction and smoking cessation.<\/p>\n
However, one country has shown astounding success in the management of hypertension, demonstrating just what can be achieved with sustained political will. Over three decades, Korea has manage to cut stroke deaths by a remarkable 80 per cent. How did they do it?<\/p>\n
Former director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and NYC Health Commissioner, Dr Tom Frieden, described in his recent newsletter the policy changes that caused this achievement.<\/p>\n
In 1990, stroke killed South Koreans at a rate of 248 per 10,000. By 2023, that had dropped like a stone to 32 \u2013 a fall of 87 per cent.<\/p>\n
This was achieved by a series of deliberate choices, sustained across successive governments, leading to plummeting hospitalisations, disability, strokes and heart attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story deserves to be much better known,\u201d said Dr Frieden, \u201cbecause Korea has earned the credit and because every country in the world can make progress at least this fast.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rather than investing in awareness campaigns, the first step was to ensure every adult had a regular medical provider whose job it was to keep blood pressure in check, and their performance was measured on how well they achieved it. Health professionals were required to identify people at risk, follow them up and record their successes.<\/p>\n
Ireland has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure (BP) in the world, as well as ranking among the lowest in terms of diagnosis, treatment and control of the condition<\/p>\n
Secondly, in 2012 the government implemented a National Plan to Reduce Sodium Intake \u2013 working with manufacturers, restaurants, schools and households to cut salt out of the national diet. The government funded research to help companies reformulate their products.<\/p>\n
Within a few years, Koreans had reduced their sodium intake by almost a quarter, with plummeting rates of stroke and heart disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of this required exceptional technology, wealth, or anything specific to Korean culture,\u201d Dr Frieden concluded. \u201cA group of dedicated advocates pushed for it and never gave up. The ingredients for success \u2013 a regular provider, consistent treatment, free medicines, and smart food policy \u2013 are possible in most countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Ireland, one-in-four deaths are due to cerebrovascular disease and, despite good news stories about improvements in life expectancy, it is estimated that an incredible 80 per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable.<\/p>\n
In late 2023, the Irish Heart Foundation launched Primary Prevention of cardiovascular disease: Best practice and lessons for Ireland.<\/p>\n
The paper, compiled by Prof Ivan Perry from the School of Public Health, University College Cork, recommended radical action \u2013 similar to Ireland\u2019s 2004 ban on smoking in the workplace \u2013 to deal with cardiovascular disease and other serious diseases.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout the implementation of bold policy initiatives, we can expect continued and increased deaths and ill-health driven by risk factors,\u201d warned Prof Perry.<\/p>\n
Key recommendations include a complete ban on the marketing of food and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt, and an increase in the legal age of tobacco from 18 to 21 \u2013 now due to be implemented in February 2021.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>But the evidence shows that a mandatory limit on salt in the manufacture of bread and other processed foods leads the way as the cheapest strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/imt_end6.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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