Prepare for the Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Exam. Study with comprehensive multiple-choice questions and in-depth explanations. Enhance your knowledge and ensure success on your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


According to the American Heart Association, what is the recommended sodium intake limit for a patient with hypertension?

  1. 1,500 mg per day

  2. 2,400 mg per day

  3. 3,000 mg per day

  4. 1,700 mg per day

The correct answer is: 2,400 mg per day

The recommended sodium intake limit for a patient with hypertension, according to the American Heart Association, is 2,400 mg per day. This guideline is based on extensive research indicating that reducing sodium intake can help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. For individuals with hypertension, a sodium intake of 2,400 mg or less is encouraged as it can lead to better blood pressure management and a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. While some diets may recommend even lower sodium limits, such as 1,500 mg, the 2,400 mg limit serves as a practical target that is attainable for many people while still providing health benefits. This limit is designed to help individuals incorporate healthier dietary choices without placing undue restriction that may be hard to maintain in the long term. In contrast, higher recommended sodium limits, such as 3,000 mg or around 1,700 mg, are not aligned with the AHA guidelines tailored for managing hypertension and may not provide the same level of cardiovascular protection.