Millions of Britons could be unknowingly putting themselves at risk of life-threatening conditions due to two common lifestyle factors: excessive salt consumption and alcohol intake. New findings highlight how these everyday habits contribute significantly to high blood pressure - often called the 'silent killer'.
The Salt Trap in Your Diet
Nutrition experts warn that processed foods and restaurant meals frequently contain dangerously high sodium levels. 'Many people consume double the recommended daily salt limit without realising,' explains cardiologist Dr. Emma Richardson. 'This causes the body to retain fluid, forcing the heart to work harder.'
Alcohol's Double Whammy Effect
Regular drinking doesn't just add empty calories - it actively disrupts blood pressure regulation. 'Alcohol both constricts blood vessels and stresses the kidneys,' notes Professor James Wilson of the British Heart Foundation. 'Even moderate drinkers see measurable blood pressure increases.'
Protecting Your Heart Health
Simple changes can dramatically reduce risks:
- Check food labels for sodium content (aim under 6g salt daily)
- Limit alcohol to 14 units weekly with several dry days
- Increase potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach
- Regular blood pressure checks from age 40
With hypertension affecting 1 in 4 UK adults, these evidence-based adjustments could prevent thousands of preventable strokes and heart attacks annually.
