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10 misconceptions about High Blood
Pressure
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1-Common symptoms of high blood pressure include nervousness, sweating and
difficulty sleeping.
Wrong. High blood pressure has NO symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” The
only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked. 2. Every time I go to the doctor, my blood pressure is high, but that’s just
because I’m nervous. I’m sure my blood pressure is OK at home.
Some people may experience what’s called “white-coat hypertension” when they’re at the doctor’s
office.Even though there are factors that can affect your blood pressure, you should never ignore
several readings that indicate you may have high blood pressure 3. If you have high cholesterol, you automatically have high blood pressure.
False. High blood cholesterol doesn’t automatically lead to high blood pressure, but many of
the same lifestyle habits that may increase blood cholesterol levels also may cause elevated blood
pressure 4. These days everyone has high blood pressure. It’s just a fact of life, and I
don’t need to worry about it.
These are stressful times, and stress may add to your risk factors for high blood pressure. That’s
why it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked. About 69 percent of people who have a
first attack, 77 percent who have a first stroke, and 74 percent who have congestive heart failure
have BP higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Also, high blood pressure is the No. 1 modifiable risk factor for
stroke. 5. I took my high blood pressure medication for a while, but I’m feeling much
better now. I figure it’s OK to cut it back or even quit.
Absolutely not. High blood pressure is a lifelong disease. It can be controlled but not cured. If
your doctor has prescribed medication for you, take it exactly as prescribed for as long as the
doctor tells you to take it. You may have to take medicine for whole life. 6. High blood pressure is a man’s problem. I’m a woman so I don’t have to
worry.
If you’re on the Pill, pregnant, overweight, postmenopausal, African American or have a family
history of high blood pressure, you may be more likely to have high blood pressure 7. I can take any kind of over-the-counter medications when I have a cold or the
flu.
That’s not true. People with high blood pressure should know that taking certain cold, cough and
flu medications could be dangerous. Decongestants have been reported to increase blood pressure and
may interfere with blood pressure medications. 8. You don’t need to have your high blood pressure checked until you reach
middle age.
It’s a good idea to start having your blood pressure checked at an early age — even children as
young as 6 can have high blood pressure. When kids reach the teen years, they should certainly have
their pressure checked. 9- High Blood Pressure Can't Be Prevented
Perhaps you have other relatives with high blood pressure. Maybe you're a member of a group of
people who are at greater risk. For these or other reasons, you may be tempted to think that
there's nothing you can do about high blood pressure. By regular exercise, low salt intake,
restricting from alcohol and smoking you may control your BP.In fact, if you work with your doctor
to develop a comprehensive program for managing your high blood pressure, that plan can work. To
maximize the benefits of your plan, follow these steps: * Check your blood pressure as often as recommended by your doctor.
* Follow your treatment plan consistently. Let your doctor know right away if you have problems
with parts of the plan. Your doctor may refer you to other health care professionals who can
help.
* See your doctor as often as requested. Bring your blood pressure records to show your doctor how
the plan is working.
* Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about medication side effects. Know when to call
your doctor if there is a problem. 10-It's OK As Long As One Number Is Normal, i.e systolic or diastolic BP
values
Many people pay more attention to the systolic rate than the diastolic, but experts say that the
heart can tolerate a high top (systolic) number better than a high bottom (diastolic) number.
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