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Salty Water Increases Hypertension Risk by 26%, Study Finds

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study led by Rajiv Chowdhury at Florida International University finds that drinking saltier water raises blood pressure and hypertension risk by 26%.
The analysis used data from more than 74,000 people globally.
Average systolic blood pressure was 3.22 mmHg higher among those exposed to high-salinity water.
Coastal areas may face greater health risks from saline drinking water as climate change accelerates, potentially affecting over 3 billion people.

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Story summary

A study led by Rajiv Chowdhury at Florida International University finds that drinking saltier water raises blood pressure and hypertension risk by 26%.
The analysis used data from more than 74,000 people globally.
Average systolic blood pressure was 3.22 mmHg higher among those exposed to high-salinity water.
Coastal areas may face greater health risks from saline drinking water as climate change accelerates, potentially affecting over 3 billion people.