When you retain excess fluid your heart is forced to pump harder. Too much salt, which is also known as sodium, can cause you to retain excess fluid.

According to Deanna Carlson, R.N., BSN, of St. Joseph's Women's Heart Center, the average person takes in 2,000 to 7,000 mg of salt a day. One teaspoon of salt equals approximately 2,400 mg of salt.

One third of the women who have heart disease won't have the usual symptoms that men do. Women are more likely to have a generalized discomfort in their chests. They might suddenly be overwhelmed with excessive fatigue and have trouble breathing.

"The Women's Heart Center program provides:

* "Low-cost personal Heart and Vascular Screenings.
* "Free heart and self-health risk assessments.
* "Educational Seminars addressing nutrition, exercise and osteoporosis.
* "Specialized in-hospital care for women admitted with heart disease."

St. Joseph Hospital's Women's Heart Center provides women with health-care protection. Private heart-health screening by a highly trained cardiac registered nurse is available.

Video
https://www.empowher.com/heart-blood/content/how-does-salt-intake-affect-your-health-nurse-carlson-video