Assessment of salt knowledge and habits in patients with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Abstract

Aims: Excessive dietary salt intake is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Patients with elevated lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are at increased risk, but there is limited data on their salt knowledge and habits. This study aimed to assess salt-related knowledge and dietary behaviour in patients with hyperlipidaemia. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 patients with LDL-C ≥160 mg/dl attending the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Ondokuz Mayıs University. Participants completed three face-to-face questionnaires assessing demographic and clinical characteristics, salt knowledge (20-item test), and frequency of consumption of salty foods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and comparison tests (t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square), with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Salt knowledge scores ranged from 5 to 19 correct answers. Patients with higher education had significantly better salt knowledge (p<0.0001), whereas older adults and married individuals had lower scores. There were no significant differences according to sex, BMI or self-reported low-salt diet. Only 10% of participants reported receiving education about salt intake. Feta cheese was the most commonly consumed salty food, while unsalted bread was rarely preferred. Despite high LDL-C levels, many patients lacked an adequate understanding of the health risks associated with salt. Conclusion: There is a substantial gap in salt-related knowledge in patients with high LDL-C, particularly in older and less educated individuals. Targeted educational interventions addressing salt consumption may improve dietary practices and support cardiovascular risk reduction in this vulnerable group.

Keywords

• LDL cholesterol
• salt intake
• dietary behavior
• hyperlipidemia

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