Blood Pressure- Truths & Myths

Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you a late night movie buff? Do you spend most of the time sitting on your chair, while at work? Do you often crave for a sound good night’s sleep? If so, you must get your blood pressure checked for good? These days, the measurement of blood pressure has become commonplace, and many see it as a hot health topic. In order to averse the risks caused by the ill effects of prolonged sedentary lifestyle, one must learn to stand up for his or her health, before it can literally kill you. Spending hours on a chair isn’t just going to murder your back, rather it will damage your mind, sleep cycle, and your organs. High or low, extreme blood pressure numbers are no good for you. Even if you regularly monitor your blood pressure numbers, yet there are several myths and misconceptions which hinder your blood pressure management leading to irreversible effects. Let us set straight some of these myths and uncover the truth underneath.

Myth No. 1.

Low blood pressure numbers increase your risk of a stroke

Contrary to the statement, low blood pressure means that you are less likely to suffer a stroke or a heart attack than someone jostling with high blood pressure. In fact, low blood pressure does not lead to a stroke at all. An individual with low BP may encounter blurry vision, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, etc. One must start with a diet rich in salt to minimize the effects of low blood pressure.

Myth No. 2.

You can discontinue the medication for high blood pressure once it is stabilized

High blood pressure is a lifetime complaint. If you have had an onset of high blood pressure, the only respite is timely medication. You must not stop your medication, even if your blood pressure levels have subsided and point towards a healthy angle. Your medicines will help you lower your high BP, but their discontinuation will surely kick-start the deteriorating health and trigger the related symptoms.

Myth No. 3.

Raised cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing high blood pressure

Not necessarily! High cholesterol levels do not always cause high blood pressure but trigger the risk for other conditions such as heart disease. For elevated cholesterol levels, one must stop binging on a diet rich in saturated fats and also limit the salt intake. These are lifestyle risk factors, which determine the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Myth No. 4.

You cannot prevent high blood pressure if you have a family history of this condition

Nowadays, the condition of high blood pressure runs in several families. However, a family lineage of erratic blood pressures does not mean that the upcoming generations will automatically develop the risk of high or low blood pressure. To limit the onset of developing a blood pressure related condition, one must watch for risk factors such as smoking, drinking, excess salt intake, a diet rich in saturated fats, etc. Also, individuals who do regular exercises have a healthy heart and stabilized blood pressure levels.

Myth No. 5.

High blood pressure is not a sedentary life condition

Contrary to this statement, high blood pressure is a common modern-day medical condition and by no means it is inevitable. Risk factors like age, gender and even family history determine the likeliness of developing high blood pressure, but it is your lifestyle which plays a major part. Along with obesity and heart diseases, high blood pressure or hypertension is a major health concern.

Myth No. 6.

High blood pressure causes symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nervousness

Contradictory to the above statement, high blood pressure is often recalled as the ‘silent killer’. In most of the cases, people are unaware that they have high blood pressure as it is mainly asymptomatic. Regular checkups may yield information on such medical condition scenarios. If you are 40 years and above, it is advisable to get your blood pressure monitored on a regular basis. Also, if you have diabetes, obesity, or any heart condition, then you must keep a tab on your BP numbers.

Myth No. 7.

Only men suffer from high blood pressure

Not at all! Both genders can develop high blood pressure. However, men are more likely to develop high blood pressure after 40 years of age, but the numbers almost even out over time. As stated by many medical practitioners, women are at less risk of high blood pressure due to the protective effects of estrogen, but with the passage of time, i.e. post menopause, the risk doubles.

 

Myth No. 8.

Do not check your blood pressure until 40 years of age

There is no denying the fact that there is an increased risk of developing high blood pressure once you reach your middle age. But, people in their 20’s and 30’s can also succumb to the ill effects of blood pressure related disorders. In fact, children, living with obesity are prone to develop high blood pressure from a tender age. High blood pressure can affect at any age, so do not wait until you turn 40. Keep monitoring your blood pressure levels at regular intervals.