Five Myths about High Blood Pressure
What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force your heart is pushing the blood through your body.
Blood pressure is a measurement taken of the highest reading and
the lowest reading. It is given as 2 figures — highest (systolic) over
lowest (diastolic).
There are a number of myths around blood pressure, the following 5 are the major ones
- Systolic — pressure in the artery as the heart contracts. This is represented by the top, higher number.
- Diastolic — pressure in the artery when the heart is relaxing and being filled with blood. This is represented by the bottom, lower number.
There are a number of myths around blood pressure, the following 5 are the major ones
Myth Number One: It's No Big Deal.
The problem with high blood pressure initially is there are no symptoms. You don't feel bad, so how could anything be wrong?
The truth is, when your blood flow begins to push too hard against your blood vessels, it leads to damage of your heart, kidneys, and other organs in your body. High blood pressure is a very big deal indeed.
Myth Number Two: There Is No Good Treatment.
Many people feel there's nothing they can do about their high blood pressure.
The truth is if you follow a sensible plan, you can manage your high blood pressure.
Myth Number Three: A "Little" High Blood Pressure Is Okay.
When you take your blood pressure readings, you probably notice they vary somewhat. You probably also notice there are two numbers, one on top and one on bottom.
Normal readings are: 119 or below for the top number, and 79 or below for the bottom number. Some people believe that as long as one of these numbers is normal, you're okay.
The truth is if either of your blood pressure numbers is above normal, you need to do something right away.
Myth Number Four: High Blood Pressure Cannot Be Prevented.
This idea is dead wrong. Even if everyone in your family has higher blood pressure, this doesn't mean there is nothing you can do.
Simple changes such as eating a healthy diet, limiting salt intake, and keeping your weight under control, can help you prevent high blood pressure.
Myth Number Five: Treatment Is Difficult.
Most people think that treating high blood pressure requires giving up all your favorite foods, engaging in some crazy exercise plan, or taking dangerous and expensive drugs.
While you do need to make changes to get your blood pressure under control, those changes do not have to be difficult or unpleasant.
What to do.
Mild high blood pressure can often be treated by making lifestyle changes, including:
- doing regular physical activity
- stopping smoking
- improving your diet to reduce salt, reduce fat and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
- losing weight
- limiting your alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men, or 1 drink per day for women with high blood pressure
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Have a great day,
