Common Misconceptions about Hypertension

If you notice your blood pressure staying high for an extended period, then you may have hypertension. It could be due to excess salt, smoking, drinking, obesity, or a combination of several factors. Please note that hypertension affects nearly half of adult Americans, but only one in four keeps it under control. Since the condition occurs when the force required to pump blood through your blood vessels is too high, it can damage them, make them stiffer, and decrease blood flow and oxygen to your heart. It eventually leads to heart disease, a leading cause of fatality worldwide. If you are dealing with Port Saint Lucie hypertension, you should be prepared to come across many myths and misunderstandings.

You might come across all kinds of advice from well-meaning friends, family, and colleagues. Let us look at some of the common misconceptions about hypertension to help you to make health decisions using the facts:

If you feel fine, you do not have hypertension.

This could not be any further from the truth. Many adults suffer from hypertension, and surprisingly, one in every six do not have any idea that they do. You can feel fine even if you have high blood pressure. It is one of the reasons why it has been referred to as the “silent killer.” You could have no symptoms, then suddenly have to deal with a heart attack or stroke. If you are not careful, it can be fatal.

All races have the same risk of high blood pressure.

Not everyone has the same risk of hypertension, and research shows Black adults are at a higher risk of developing the condition. The reasons are not obvious, but hypertension is more common among Black adults than in other races and ethnicities. Likewise, high blood pressure could develop at a younger age and become more severe, requiring hospitalization at some point.

You cannot prevent hypertension.

While high blood pressure does not have a cure yet, it is preventable and manageable. Doctors across the world are aiming at preventing hypertension by spreading awareness. Suppose you are at risk of developing this severe condition. In that case, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy weight, live an active lifestyle, exercise regularly, practice health stress management techniques, maintain a healthy diet high in nutrients and low in salt and saturated fats, and avoid smoking and alcohol intake.

When you start feeling better, you can stop taking medication.

If you notice significant improvements in your health, do not stop taking your medicine. If your specialist has prescribed medicine for high blood pressure, follow his/her recommendations closely. Ensure you avoid decreasing your dosage and do not stop taking the medication if your doctor has not approved it. Playing around with your prescription can make your hypertension worse and end up in hospitalization.

If you are wondering whether you have hypertension, or aren’t sure how to cope with it, start by distinguishing the facts from the myths. With the correct information, you will make better decisions and seek the right help from reputable professionals. Remember, hypertension is a life-long condition, and it would help if you had a specialist who can walk with you throughout the journey and help you with your situation.