Final answer:
Excessive dietary intake of sodium can lead to hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, edema, and muscle cramps, among other health issues due to its impact on osmotic pressure and fluid balance in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with a high dietary intake of sodium (Na+) may face several serious health concerns. Sodium is responsible for half of the osmotic pressure gradient between the interior of cells and the extracellular fluid, making it a vital electrolyte. However, its excess can lead to several complications. A typical Western diet contains significantly more sodium than the human body requires, with people routinely consuming 130 to 160 mmol/day when only 1 to 2 mmol/day is necessary. This excess sodium is a major factor in hypertension (high blood pressure) for some individuals.
High Na+ levels can attract excessive water, leading to an increase in the total volume of body fluids and subsequent hypertension. Over time, elevated blood pressure can result in the development of heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms. Excess sodium can also cause system-wide edema (swelling). Furthermore, in extreme cases, such as excessive sweating in hot environments or over-drinking water during activities, sodium balance can be disrupted, leading to complications like muscular cramps, oedema, headache, nausea, and diarrhoea.