Action on salt and hypertension: reducing cardiovascular disease burden in the WHO European Region

Overview

Raised blood pressure is the main risk factor for death and disability in the WHO European Region, causing almost a quarter of all deaths, and is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Salt intake is a leading risk factor for hypertension and CVD, and reducing salt intake leads to reduced blood pressure. Rates of hypertension, salt intake and premature mortality from CVD are higher in the more eastern parts of the Region and in men. This background document for the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Signature Initiative to reduce inequalities in CVD burden and high blood pressure prevalence through improving hypertension control in primary care and implementing salt reduction strategies can support countries to achieve global noncommunicable disease targets. It outlines the concept and rationale for an integrated approach, provides an overview of the main issues and a situation analysis, and presents progress made towards global targets for the WHO European Region. Evidence-based interventions for salt reduction strategies and hypertension control are proposed, along with a discussion of barriers to their implementation and potential solutions, concluding with policy considerations. The document is rooted in real-world examples and available evidence, draws on lived experience and signposts to relevant WHO resources.