C

Prospective cohort and intervention analyses show that the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio outperforms absolute LDL levels and other single factors in discriminating future coronary heart disease risk, because it simultaneously reflects atherogenic (LDL) and protective (HDL) lipoproteins [Kinosian, 1995, PMID 8528755; Wang, 2001, PMID 11589839]. High salt intake is a risk factor but is not as specific or predictive, making the LDL/HDL ratio the single best indicator among the options.