PREVALENCE OF SODIUM INTAKE IN THE OUTPATIENT POPULATION ATTENDING FOLLOW-UP AT HOSPITAL CARLOS G. DURAND: ASSOCIATION WITH OTHER CARDIOVASCULAR PROGNOSTIC VARIABLES

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with excessive salt intake have a higher cardiovascular risk compared to the general population. Sodium and potassium intake are modifiable risk factors for arterial hypertension. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a salt intake target of less than 5 grams per day, regardless of hypertensive status. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of salt intake in the outpatient population attending Hospital Durand. To demonstrate the association between high sodium intake and proteinuria. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study of outpatients attending the Nephrology Department at Hospital Carlos G. Durand with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60 ml/min and a 24-hour urinary sodium measurement. Results: The median sodium intake was 7.98 grams (IQR 5.84–9.91 grams). Excessive salt intake was observed in 76.10% of the study population. A positive and statistically significant association was found between sodium intake and proteinuria (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Seventy-six percent of patients consume more than 6 grams of salt per day. No statistically significant differences in salt intake were found when comparing hypertensive and diabetic patients, nationality, or current residence. However, higher salt intake was observed in males (p = 0.001).