What is a consequence of excessive sodium intake?

Excessive sodium intake is primarily associated with an increased risk of hypertension, which is high blood pressure. When you consume too much sodium, it can lead to fluid retention in the body, causing your blood volume to increase. This increased blood volume places more pressure on the walls of your arteries, ultimately resulting in higher blood pressure. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

While the risk of cardiovascular disease is indeed influenced by sodium intake, the primary immediate consequence is hypertension, making it the most direct and correct choice in this context. It is also worth noting that excessive sodium can have various other negative health effects, but the direct link to hypertension is well-established in nutritional science.