The human body contains two different kinds of cholesterol. One is beneficial, while the other can be damaging to health and even fatal if its level gets too high. A diet high in salt can adversely affect your health if you are suffering from high blood pressure, but salt cannot affect your cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol
According to the American Heart Association, there are two different types of cholesterol in the human body. The good type of cholesterol is HDL, or high-density lipoproteins. This form of cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. The negative form of cholesterol is LDL, or low-density lipoproteins. LDL is responsible for the build-up of plaque along artery walls, obstructing blood flow and possibly leading to stroke or heart attack.
Diet
The National Cholesterol Education Program explains that to control cholesterol levels, your daily intake of fat should be less than 30 percent of your total calories. You should avoid food containing saturated fats such as meat, poultry, cheese, full-fat milk and buttermilk. Eating foods containing polyunsaturated fat, such as nuts, fish and sunflower seeds, can help decrease LDL levels.
Salt
According to the Federal Citizen Information Center, or FCIC, the amount of salt in your daily diet has no effect whatsoever on your cholesterol levels. However, a high sodium diet can increase high blood pressure, and some people who suffer from high cholesterol also have high blood pressure. In this case, a diet that is low in salt is recommended. The FCIC recommends no more than one teaspoonful of salt per day. This includes the sodium contained in many packaged and processed foods such as cereals, pre-prepared meals and snacks.
Hypertension
According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that usually develops over a number of years. It causes the pressure of your blood against the arterial walls to increase. As it gets higher, it can cause a number of serious health problems, such as heart disease and heart failure.
Lifestyle Changes
You can help reduce cholesterol levels by making a number of simple lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise. Even 20 minutes walking two or three times each week can make a significant difference to your heart health, and it can help lower your blood pressure.
