Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure(BP), occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls becomes too high (130/80 or higher). According to the reports of the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 46% of individuals with hypertension are not even aware that they have the condition. What’s worse is that the myths surrounding the condition even make it harder for patients to manage the disease.
Hence, hypertension is often regarded as the “silent killer,” putting many patients at risk of developing serious health complications like cardiovascular disease or stroke without any warning signs.
Despite so many people getting affected by hypertension each day, the prevailing misconception prevents them from seeking the right treatment under the guidance of a hypertension specialist.
In this blog, we have broken down some of the most common myths and presented the facts to help you take care of your health.
Let’s shatter the following myths to help patients make smarter choices about their health.
It is completely wrong information. The prevalence of hypertension indeed increases with age; it can affect individuals of all ages. The primary contributors to high blood pressure in the younger generation are poor diet, lack of exercise and elevated stress.
Hypertension does not cause any troublesome symptoms in the initial stages. Many patients did not experience any discomfort or noticeable change in their health until the condition progressed to a great extent. Thus, it is always advisable to get your blood pressure checked at least once a year to monitor the readings.
According to a hypertension specialist, it is not just table salt that you need to worry about when it comes to high blood pressure. In fact, food rich in sugar, fat and caffeine can all increase your blood pressure and damage your heart health.
Men are indeed more likely to develop high blood pressure during middle age. However, the risk of hypertension in women increases during pregnancy and after menopause.
Certain herbal supplements or medicines might work in lowering high blood pressure, but there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. Thus, always consult a hypertension specialist before introducing any alternative medicine into your regime, as it can worsen the condition.
No two hypertension cases are the same. What worked for one individual might not work for another individual. The course of treatment is determined by your age, medical history, lifestyle and levels of pressure. Moreover, managing hypertension is not only about taking pills; rather, it requires a holistic approach, including dietary modifications.
Chronic diseases like high blood pressure are common these days but manageable. You must take a proactive approach and work closely with a hypertension specialist to prevent long-term complications.