Heart patients should limit salt intake to 5gm a day: Docs

Lucknow: Heart patients should limit their salt intake to no more than five grams a day, while healthy individuals should avoid consuming more than 10 grams of salt daily. Excess salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, according to Dr Naveen Garg, a cardiologist at SGPGI and president of the UP Chapter of the Cardiological Society of India (UPCSI). He made these remarks at the 14th Midterm Interventional Conference of UPCSI, held on Sunday at a hotel in Gomtinagar.Dr Naveen Garg explained that excessive salt causes the body to retain water, leading to hardened arteries, increased blood pressure, and weight gain.Dr Bhuvan Chandra Tiwari, secretary of UPCSI and cardiologist at RML Institute, emphasised that heart failure patients should engage in light physical activities like walking, yoga, and exercise, as these improve heart function. He also advised regular monitoring of blood pressure and consistent medication intake.Conference secretary Dr Awadhesh Sharma highlighted the importance of controlling bad cholesterol (LDL) in heart patients, stating that cholesterol levels should be below 70, and for those with multiple stents, below 30. Regular check-ups and doctor consultations are essential, along with managing obesity.Dr Aditya Kapoor, former president of UPCSI, and cardiologists Dr SK Dwivedi and Dr Rishi Sethi, discussed the latest advancements in angioplasty techniques, including intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and fractional flow reserve. The event was attended by over 200 doctors and residents, including prominent cardiologists Dr P K Goel, Dr Nakul Sinha, Dr Ramesh Thakur, and Dr M U Rabbani.