A meta-analysis of 19 independent cohort studies published between 1966 and 2008 found that higher salt intake is associated with an increased risk of stroke and total cardiovascular disease. The pooled relative risk for stroke was 1.23 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.43; P=0.007), and for cardiovascular disease, it was 1.14 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.32; P=0.07). These associations were stronger with larger differences in sodium intake and longer follow-up periods. The study found no significant publication bias. The results suggest that reducing population salt intake could significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, the effect sizes may be underestimated due to imprecision in measuring salt intake. The study highlights the importance of reducing salt intake to prevent cardiovascular disease, as high salt intake is linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also notes that while some studies showed inverse associations, the overall evidence supports a positive association between high salt intake and cardiovascular disease risk. The study concludes that population-wide reductions in salt intake are necessary to prevent cardiovascular disease.A meta-analysis of 19 independent cohort studies published between 1966 and 2008 found that higher salt intake is associated with an increased risk of stroke and total cardiovascular disease. The pooled relative risk for stroke was 1.23 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.43; P=0.007), and for cardiovascular disease, it was 1.14 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.32; P=0.07). These associations were stronger with larger differences in sodium intake and longer follow-up periods. The study found no significant publication bias. The results suggest that reducing population salt intake could significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, the effect sizes may be underestimated due to imprecision in measuring salt intake. The study highlights the importance of reducing salt intake to prevent cardiovascular disease, as high salt intake is linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also notes that while some studies showed inverse associations, the overall evidence supports a positive association between high salt intake and cardiovascular disease risk. The study concludes that population-wide reductions in salt intake are necessary to prevent cardiovascular disease.