High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems in the world today.
It happens when the force of blood pushing through the arteries stays too high for a long time.
Over time, this extra pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Because of this, doctors often advise people to reduce salt intake, as too much sodium is a major cause of high blood pressure.
However, new research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 shows that a simple solution—using salt substitutes—is still rarely used.
The study found that only a very small number of people are taking advantage of this easy and low-cost way to improve their heart health.
Salt substitutes are products that replace some or all of the sodium in regular salt with potassium. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium in the body. While these substitutes taste similar to regular salt, they may have a slightly different flavor when cooked, which may affect how often people use them.
The researchers analyzed data from a large national survey in the United States called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This survey collects detailed information about people’s health, diet, and lifestyle. The study included more than 37,000 adults and tracked their salt use over nearly two decades, from 2003 to 2020.
The results showed that the use of salt substitutes has remained very low. At its highest point, only about 5.4 percent of adults reported using them, and this dropped to around 2.5 percent in recent years. Even among people with high blood pressure, usage remained low.
This is surprising because reducing sodium intake is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure. Many people consume far more sodium than recommended, often through processed foods, packaged meals, and restaurant dishes.
The American Heart Association suggests limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, with an ideal target of 1,500 milligrams for most adults.
The study also looked at people who could safely use salt substitutes. These included individuals with normal kidney function and those not taking medications that affect potassium levels. Even in this group, only a small percentage reported using salt substitutes.
One reason for this may be lack of awareness. Many people simply do not know that salt substitutes exist or how they can help. Others may be concerned about taste or unsure whether they are safe. Some individuals, especially those with kidney disease, must be careful with potassium intake, which is why medical advice is important before making changes.
Another interesting finding was that people who ate out frequently were less likely to use salt substitutes. This may be because they have less control over the ingredients in their meals.
Experts say this represents a missed opportunity. A simple change in diet, such as switching to salt substitutes, could help many people manage their blood pressure more effectively.
Looking at the study overall, it provides valuable insight into real-world behavior. The large sample size and long time period make the findings strong and meaningful.
However, the study relies on self-reported data, which means people may not always accurately remember or report their habits. It also does not measure how much salt substitute people used, only whether they used it at all.
Despite these limitations, the message is clear. Salt substitutes are an easy and affordable tool that could help reduce blood pressure, yet very few people are using them. Increasing awareness and encouraging discussions between patients and healthcare providers could help more people benefit from this simple change.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
