Federal health officials say most Americans consume more than double the recommended daily intake of salt.

Diets high in sodium are linked to increased incidences of high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which respectively are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, according to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC study used data from a group that should aim to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. This group includes African Americans, and adults older than 40 years old. But the researchers found that two out of three people in this group were eating about 3,436 milligrams daily, the CDC said in a press release.

For adults outside this group, federal guidelines recommend daily sodium consumption of no more than 2,300 milligrams, or about one teaspoon.

About 16 million men and women have heart disease in the United States, and about 6 million are estimated to have had a stroke.

To reduce or control high blood pressure, the CDC recommends a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, and when eating out, asking for foods prepared without salt.