Prescription, Compliance, and Burden Associated with Salt-Restricted Diets in Heart Failure Patients: Results from the French National OFICSel Observatory

(1) Background: There is much debate about the use of salt-restricted diet for managing heart failure (HF). Dietary guidelines are inconsistent and lack evidence. (2) Method: The OFICSel observatory collected data about adults hospitalised for HF. The data, collected using study-specific surveys, were used to describe HF management, including diets, from the cardiologists’ and patients’ perspectives. Cardiologists provided the patients’ clinical, biological, echocardiography, and treatment data, while the patients provided dietary, medical history, sociodemographic, morphometric, quality of life, and burden data (burden scale in restricted diets (BIRD) questionnaire). The differences between the diet recommended by the cardiologist, understood by the patient, and the estimated salt intake (by the patient) and diet burden were assessed. (3) Results: Between March and June 2017, 300 cardiologists enrolled 2822 patients. Most patients (90%) were recommended diets with <6 g of salt/day. Mean daily salt consumption was 4.7 g (standard deviation (SD): 2.4). Only 33% of patients complied with their recommended diet, 34% over-complied, and 19% under-complied (14% unknown). Dietary restrictions in HF patients were associated with increased burden (mean BIRD score of 8.1/48 [SD: 8.8]). (4) Conclusion: Healthcare professionals do not always follow dietary recommendations, and their patients do not always understand and comply with diets recommended. Restrictive diets in HF patients are associated with increased burden. An evidence-based approach to developing and recommending HF-specific diets is required.

Development, validation and application of a machine learning model to estimate salt consumption in 54 countries

Global targets to reduce salt intake have been proposed but their monitoring is challenged by the lack of population-based data on salt consumption. We developed a machine learning (ML) model to predict salt consumption at the population level based on simple predictors and applied this model to national surveys in 54 countries. We used 21 surveys with spot urine samples for the ML model derivation and validation; we developed a supervised ML regression model based on: sex, age, weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We applied the ML model to 54 new surveys to quantify the mean salt consumption in the population. The pooled dataset in which we developed the ML model included 49,776 people. Overall, there were no substantial differences between the observed and ML-predicted mean salt intake (p<0.001). The pooled dataset where we applied the ML model included 166,677 people; the predicted mean salt consumption ranged from 6.8 g/day (95% CI: 6.8-6.8 g/day) in Eritrea to 10.0 g/day (95% CI: 9.9-10.0 g/day) in American Samoa. The countries with the highest predicted mean salt intake were in Western Pacific. The lowest predicted intake was found in Africa. The country-specific predicted mean salt intake was within reasonable difference from the best available evidence. A ML model based on readily available predictors estimated daily salt consumption with good accuracy. This model could be used to predict mean salt consumption in the general population where urine samples are not available.

Factors Affecting the Incidence of Uncontrolled Hypertension in Patients Performing Routine Examinations at the Kebayakan Public Health Center, Central Aceh Regency

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors that influence the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension in patients who carry out routine checks at the Community Health Center (Puskesmas). Method: using analytical survey method using Case Control research design. The sample was 148 respondents, 74 case groups and 74 control groups were taken by purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed univariate, bivariate and multivariate with multiple logistic regression. The results of the bivariate test showed that the factors influencing the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension were age (p= 0.002; OR = 3,253), family history (p= 0.000; OR = 4.216), obesity (p= 0.005; OR = 2.734), physical activity (p= 0.000; OR = 4.229), salt consumption (p= 0.000; OR = 4,127), coffee consumption (p= 0.010; OR = 4,127), stress (p= 0.000; OR = 3,745), medication adherence (p= 0.000; OR = 4.492). Factors that were not related were gender (p= 0.620; OR = 0.803), smoking (p= 1,000; OR = 1,000). While the results of the multivariate test showed that the most influential factors with the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension were medication adherence variable (p= 0.000; Exp(B) = 5.982), and obesity variable (p= 0.002; Exp(B) = 4.945). In conclusion, the dominant factors that influence the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension at the Kebayakan Health Center are medication adherence and obesity.

Pola Hidup Penderita Hipertensi di Desa Duata Karya Kecamatan Masama Tahun 2021

Hipertensi adalah peningkatan tekanan darah sistolik sedikitnya 140 mmHg dan tekanan diastolik sedikitnya 90 mmHg. Sesuai dengan data di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Tangeban Kecamatan Masama tahun 2020, bahwa Desa Duata Karya merupakan satu-satunya Desa yang penyakit hipertensi tertinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pola hidup penderita hipertensi di Desa Duata Karya Kecamatan Masama menggunakan jenis penelitian deskriptif, menggunakan total sampling. Pengumpulan data berdasarkan data primer dan data sekunder. Pengolahan data menggunakan program SPSS. Analisis dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis univariat dan di sajikan dalam bentuk tabel yang menggambarkan penyajian data dalam bentuk distribus frekuensi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor risiko tidak dapat di modivikasi yaitu jenis kelamin responden terbanyak pada jenis kelamin perempuan (59,8%), umur terbanyak adalah golongan umur 61 tahun keatas (58,5%), faktor risiko keturunan sebagian besar responden tidak memiliki keturunan (43,9%), dan untuk faktor risiko yang dapat di modivikasi mendapatkan hasil bahwa penggunaan kontrasepsi oral sebanyak (6,5%) responden dan kontrasepsi terbanyak yang digunakan adalah kontrasepsi jenis spiral sebanyak (54,3%), faktor risiko konsumsi garam lebih pada responden sebanyak 71 responden (86,6%), faktor risiko konsumsi kopi sebagian besar mengkonsumsi kopi (84,1%). Untuk itu di harapkan kepada masyarakat untuk tetap menjaga pola hidup dengan mengurangi konsumsi garam berlebihan, tidak mengkonsumsi alkohol, dan mengurangi konsumsi kopi Hypertension is an increase in systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure of at least 90 mmHg. In accordance with the data in the working area of Tangeban Health Center masama subdistrict in 2020, that Duata Karya Village is the only village with the highest hypertension disease. This study aims to find out the lifestyle of people with hypertension in Duata Karya Village masama subdistrict using a type of descriptive research, using total sampling. Data collection based on primary data and secondary data. Data processing using the SPSS program. The analysis in this study uses univariate analysis and is presented in the form of a table that describes the presentation of data in the form of frequency distribution. The results showed that the risk factors that cannot be modivikasi are the sex of the respondents mostly in the female sex (59.8%), the most age is the age group 61 years and above (58.5%), the risk factors of heredity most of the respondents do not have offspring (43.9%), and for risk factors that can be modivikasi get the result that the use of oral contraceptives as much as (6.5%) respondents and the most contraceptives used are spiral type contraceptives se many (54.3%), risk factors for more salt consumption in respondents as many as 71 respondents (86.6%), risk factors for coffee consumption mostly consumed coffee (84.1%). For this reason, it is expected to keep the lifestyle by reducing excessive salt consumption, not consuming alcohol, and reducing coffee consumption

Interventions That Successfully Reduced Adults Salt Intake—A Systematic Review

Background: Adequate sodium intake is important for lowering blood pressure and thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk and other complications. The aim of this review is to identify recent interventions around the world that have been successful in reducing salt intake. Methods: A search in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed. We include studies published in the last 10 years; randomized trials, pilot intervention without a control arm or experimental study; adult participants; and interventions that successfully reduced salt intake. Study quality was assessed. Results: We included 21 studies, 16 randomized intervention trials and five nonrandomized intervention studies. Eleven interventions described health and nutritional education, seven interventions described nutritional education plus other interventions, and three studies used salt meters to reduce sodium intake. Conclusion: Health and nutritional education, nutritional education plus other interventions and estimates of salt intake showed success in the reduction of salt consumption. There is no evidence that one type of intervention analyzed is more effective than other in reducing salt consumption, so we must analyze each in which individuals or subpopulations will have the intervention performed and use the most suitable approaches to lead to better results.

Impact of an Innovative Equipment to Monitor and Control Salt Usage during Cooking at Home on Salt Intake and Blood Pressure—Randomized Controlled Trial iMC SALT

(1) Background: Excessive salt consumption is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and it is essential to reduce it to the level recommended by the World Health Organization (<5 g/day). The main objective of this study is to verify the impact of an intervention, which used the Salt Control H equipment to reducing salt consumption; (2) Methods: The study was an 8-week randomized control trial with 114 workers from a public university. The intervention group (n = 57) used the equipment to monitor and control the use of salt during cooking (Salt Control H) at home for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was 24 h urinary sodium excretion as a proxy of salt intake. Secondary outcomes included changes in 24 h urinary potassium excretion, sodium to potassium ratio (Na:K), and blood pressure. (3) Results: There was a decrease in sodium intake after the intervention but with no statistical significance. When analyzing the results by sex and hypertension status, there was a reduction in sodium (−1009 (−1876 to −142), p = 0.025) and in Na:K ratio (−0.9 (−1.5 to −0.3), p = 0.007) in hypertensive men in the intervention group. (4) Conclusions: Interventions with dosage equipment can be valid approaches in individual salt reduction strategies, especially in hypertensive men.

Natrum mur 200c promotes seed germination and increases total protein, chlorophyll, rubisco and sugar in early seedlings of cowpea under salt stress

Background: High level of salinity deteriorates seed germination, growth and yield of crops in cultivated lands all over the world. There is no effective remedy to mitigate this global problem. Homeopathy offers a remedy like Natrum mur which at ultra high dilution ameliorates diseases of patients having strong desire for salt consumption. The purpose of the present study is to see whether potentized Natrum mur could alleviate salt stress in germinating seeds of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp. Methods: Water-soaked seeds were kept over moist filter paper in covered petridishes which were divided into 5 groups: (1) unstressed and untreated control in sterile distilled water, (2) in 100mM sodium chloride solution, (3) seeds pretreated with Natrum mur 200c and then kept in sterile distilled water, (4) seeds pretreated with Natrum mur 200c and then transferred to 100mM NaCl solution and (5) seeds pretreated with 90% ethanol. Both Natrum mur 200 c and its diluent medium 90% ethanol were diluted with distilled water 1:100 before use for treatment. Results: Natrum mur 200c increased the rate of seed germination, seed water content and growth of seedlings. The drug also enhanced chlorophyll, soluble and insoluble sugar, rubisco and total protein content as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. Treatment with Natrum mur 200c increased salt tolerance in the seedlings as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. All the data were analyzed by ANOVA and the significance level was not less than 1%. Conclusion: Natrum mur 200c reversed the effects of salt stress in germinated seeds thereby providing evidence for Hahnemann’s similia principle in plants. Potentized Natrum mur could be safely used with profit on plants grown on brackish soil.

Applying Customer Journey Mapping in Social Marketing to Understand Salt-Related Behaviors in Cooking. A Case Study

Worldwide, salt consumption exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommendation of a daily intake of 5 g. Customer journey mapping is a research method used in market research to understand customer behaviors and experiences and could be useful in social marketing as well. This study aimed to explore the potential of customer journey mapping to better understand salt-related behaviors performed during the preparation of household cooking. We tracked the journey of four women in their kitchens for approximately two hours to observe the preparation of lunch. Individual journey maps were created, one for each woman, that were composited into a single journey map. We found that customer journey mapping was a suitable research method to understand how food preparers made decisions around adding salt and artificial seasonings at each stage of the journey. In contrast to the interviewee’ responses, it was observed that the four women added salt and artificial seasonings consistently and incrementally with little control and without any standard measure. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of customer journey mapping in a novel context and nudge social marketers to include this tool in their repertory of research methods to understand human behavior.

The iodine knowledge of pregnant women in an endemic goiter area: a cross-sectional study

Purpose This study aims to determine the level of knowledge about iodine nutrition during pregnancy among pregnant women living in the area of Turkey where goiter is endemic. Design/methodology/approach A total of 150 pregnant women aged between 19 and 45 years, registered at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinic in Trabzon were recruited. The data was collected through a voluntary face-to-face survey with pregnant women. The questionnaire comprising questions determining the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, data concerning any previous pregnancy, iodized salt consumption habits and knowledge about iodine. Findings Although 68% of the women knew that iodine deficiency can cause serious consequences during pregnancy, the remainder did not. The three main dietary sources of iodine in Turkey are fish, cow’s milk and table salt; of the women, 68%, 20% and 77.3%, respectively, correctly identified these as good sources. The more educated of the pregnant women had significantly higher knowledge scores (p < 0.001). However, age, trimester, parity and previous receipt of information about iodine and iodine knowledge scores made no significant differences. Research limitations/implications This study may not be generalizable for all pregnant women. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first pilot study to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding iodine among pregnant women in Turkey.

High-altitude Pulmonary Edema in Emergency Department: A Review

High altitude pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a severe form of high-altitude disease that, if left untreated, can result in death in up to half of those who are affected. Lowlanders who rapidly go to elevations more than 2500-3000 m are more likely to develop high altitude pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Individual sensitivity owing to a low hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), quick pace of climb, male sex, usage of sleep medicine, high salt consumption, chilly ambient temperature, and intense physical effort are all risk factors. HAPE may be totally and quickly reversed if caught early and correctly treated. Slow climb is the most effective technique of prevention. A fall of at least 1000 meters, is the best and most certain treatment choice in HAPE. Supplemental oxygen, portable hyperbaric chambers, and pulmonary vasodilator medications (nifedipine and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors) may be beneficial. In this article we’ll be looking at the disease etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management.