"We must -- and we can -- work together as a country to help each and every American eat a heart healthy, delicious diet -- while consuming no more than 1500 mg/day of sodium," Brown said.

The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events.  The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content.  Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at americanheart/corporatefunding.

Consumer tool: Where's the salt?  Test Your Sodium Smarts at www.heart/sodiumquiz Answer 10 questions about which food products are higher in sodium and get your score.

SOURCE American Heart Association