In summary, while sodium and salt are related, they are not synonymous. Sodium is an essential element that plays critical roles in our body, while salt is a compound that contains sodium and chloride. Although people tend to use the terms salt and sodium interchangeably, salt and sodium are two different things. The American Heart Association says 9 out of 10 Americans eat too much. Certain factors may influence your blood pressure when you eat salt: If you are salt-sensitive, meaning your body responds more strongly to salt intake, sodium may have a more significant impact on your blood pressure compared to those without this sensitivity. It is also a food preservative, as bacteria can't thrive in the presence of a high amount of salt.