The findings of a study published in the journal Heart suggested that dietary salt substitutes can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. Globally, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, while high blood pressure is a major risk factor for early death. The researchers stated that around 1.28 billion people around the world have high blood pressure, although more than half of these are undiagnosed.

Salt substitutes, such as potassium chloride (KCl), are known to help lower blood pressure. Hence, the researchers collected data from all the research databases to evaluate the effects of a salt substitute on blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and early death. The findings of the pooled data analysis showed that salt substitutes had a blood pressure lowering effect on all the participants, with an overall reduction in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of 4.61 mm Hg and 1.61 mm Hg, respectively.

In the study, the reductions in blood pressure seemed to be consistent, irrespective of geography, age, sex, history of high blood pressure, weight (BMI), baseline blood pressure, and baseline levels of urinary sodium and potassium. The pooled data analysis that included the results of five trials showed that salt substitutes lowered the risks of early death from any cause by 11%, cardiovascular disease by 13%, and the risks of heart attack or stroke by 11%, respectively. 

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/dietary-salt-alternatives-can-reduce-the-risk-of-heart-attack-stroke-and-death-101660564481981.html)