Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure

If you’re worried about your high blood pressure, your concern is well-founded. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. Your knowledge in high blood pressure prevention would depend on your acceptance to the truth and of myths about high blood pressure.

First misconception: High blood pressure is not a big deal. In the long run, high blood pressure can kill you. Your heart pumps blood through blood vessels all over your body. Blood is pushed through your beating heart in a single heartbeat. Blood supplies oxygen to the different parts of the body, including the brain. Because of high blood pressure, the blood vessels become stiff over time. Blood is pushed too hard and thus blood may not be flowing well. This is the start of the problem. High blood pressure is therefore a “silent killer.”

Second misconception: High blood pressure can’t be prevented. There are steps you can take to prevent high blood pressure: 1. Keep your weight at a healthy level; 2. Eat a healthy diet; 3. Limit on salt intake; 4. Limit on alcohol; 5. Don’t smoke; 6. Get regular exercise; and 7. Don’t let stress build up.

Third misconception: It’s OK as long if one number is normal. Your blood pressure is composed of two numbers, one of which is written on top of the other. The top number is called systolic blood pressure. This represents the force of blood through your vessels during your heartbeat. The bottom number is called diastolic pressure. This represents the force of blood through your vessels in between heartbeats, or while your heart is resting or in relaxation. If either of your blood pressure readings is consistently above normal, then you have to take action right away. Persistent high blood pressure can cause damage to organs in your body.

Fourth misconception: About the treatment plan itself. People who have uncontrolled hypertension begin to ‘shop for doctors’. They also have poor compliance to medicines. They are hardheaded and refuse to submit to ‘lifestyle changes and modifications’. Follow your doctor’s advice. Keep up with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet plan. That is: more fruits and vegetables and less fat on your daily foods. Control your weight and exercise daily. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Medicines may include one or in combination with another medicine. Trust your doctor.

Fifth misconception: Treatment does not work. Unknowingly, the problem is with you. Work closely with your doctor for him to develop and fine-tune a comprehensive program to manage your high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure as often as recommended by your doctor. Follow treatment plan consistently. Visit your doctor for follow-ups.