HTN: also known as high blood pressure. It is persistant high blood pressure in your blood vessels. Blood vessels carry the blood from your heart all around the body. Blood pressure is created by the force of your blood against blood vessels walls. Having high blood pressure makes it harder for your heart to pump blood. Sodium is also known as salt and is a mineral that assists in nerves, muscle contraction/relaxation, and maintains fluid balance. When you have high salt intake, your body holds on to more water, which increases your blood volume, which increases your blood pressure. This can increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease.