Volume 9
Number 2 July 2025Drinking Water Salinity and Its Cardiovascular Health Effects in Coastal Residents: A Systematic Review
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70357/jdamc.2025.v0902.07
Hossain I1 , Abbas MG2 , Nazneen A3 , Niloy LT4 , Tamanna P5 , Alam FN6 , Rahman A7 , Quddus SM8 , Chowdhury AA9
Abstract
Climate change-driven salinity intrusion in coastal regions, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, has significantlyincreased sodium levels in drinking water. This environmental shift is increasingly linked to higher risks of hypertensionand other cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the extent of exposure and associated health effects is essentialfor informing public health strategies in these vulnerable communities. This systematic review, following PRISMAguidelines, analysed 31 peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2025. The included studies examined theassociation between drinking water salinity and cardiovascular outcomes, focusing on hypertension among coastalpopulations in Bangladesh. Data on study design, population characteristics, sodium exposure assessment, and bloodpressure outcomes were extracted. Findings consistently showed drinking water sodium concentrations rangingfrom 200 mg/L to over 900 mg/L, with many populations consuming over 2 g/day of sodium from water alone.Hypertension prevalence was notably higher in coastal areas, especially among pregnant women and older adults.Several studies reported significant associations between elevated urinary sodium, water sodium levels, and increasedsystolic and diastolic blood pressure. The risk was highest during the dry season when salinity peaks. Systolic bloodpressure increases ranged from 4.8 to 9 mmHg per gram of salt intake from water. Overall, the evidence highlights thathigh sodium levels in drinking water from salinity intrusion substantially contribute to cardiovascular risks in coastalpopulations. Urgent public health interventions are needed, including the promotion of low-salinity water sources,improved water treatment, and community education to address this emerging health threat.
Keywords: Water salinity, Sodium intake, cardiovascular health, coastal population, Bangladesh.
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Lecturer, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Research Assistant
- MPH Fellow, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
- MPH Fellow, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
- MPH Fellow, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health