What is the main health risk associated with excessive sodium intake?

Excessive sodium intake is primarily associated with hypertension, which is the medical term for high blood pressure. When individuals consume too much sodium, it can lead to an increase in blood volume, as the body retains more water to balance the sodium levels in the bloodstream. This increase in volume puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, which can elevate blood pressure over time.

Chronic hypertension can further lead to serious cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke, making it a significant health concern. Understanding the link between sodium intake and hypertension helps highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced diet that limits excess sodium.

While other health issues can also be influenced by dietary factors, they are not as directly linked to sodium as hypertension is. For instance, type 2 diabetes is primarily related to insulin resistance and obesity, heart disease has multifactorial risks, and kidney stones often relate more to calcium and oxalate levels rather than sodium intake alone. Thus, the primary and most direct health risk associated with excessive sodium consumption is indeed hypertension.