WASHINGTON – New medical studies conducted by the American Heart Association reaffirm a valid recommendation, it’s best to limit salt intake.

Patients can cut their risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, including stroke by reducing the amount of salt in their diets.

Cardiologist Susan Bennett with MedStar Washington Hospital Center says most of us eat way too much salt.

“The American Heart Association has set the guideline of 1,500 milligrams a day, but most Americans are probably taking in closer to 3,500 to 4,000 milligrams a day,” Bennett says.

Most of the salt we eat is already in foods, especially processed and snack foods,Bennett says. The Heart Association recommends those who want to cut back, start by doing just that, Doctor Bennett says you’ll get a lot of benefit.

She suggests keeping a salt diary working off food labels to raise awareness to how much salt is in everyday foods.

“Do it over three to seven days. And figure out how much salt you’re taking in,” she says.

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