The scary thing about hypertension is that it affects a very large portion of the population, but very few people are as educated about it as they should be. High blood pressure is a serious disease that can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition of the heart, where the cardiac muscles are forced to contract harder in order to pump the blood throughout the circulatory system and into the rest of the body. Too much work can tire the heart out, causing an array of problems.

The unfortunate thing about high blood pressure is that people don’t understand the disease, and pass their information along to others, and so begins the cycle. Following is a list of eight common misconceptions about high blood pressure, as well as an explanation for setting the record straight.

I should always watch out for common symptoms of high blood pressure:
This may indeed be one of the most dangerous misconceptions about high blood pressure. The reason being, a high percentage of cases of high blood pressure are asymptomatic.

Many times, high blood pressure goes unnoticed until it has become problematic. Some common symptoms include vision problems, headache, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and chest pain, but are not always apparent and should only be used as a guideline and a reason to consult a physician if any of them occur.

It is recommended to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health care professional so it can be caught early if it becomes hypertensive.

Only men should worry about high blood pressure:

This is another dangerous misconception, as following this lead leaves out nearly half of the population. While high blood pressure is more common in men than in women, women have their fair share of problems with this potentially life threatening disease. Women, especially those taking birth control pills or weight loss medications containing ephedra, should be equally cautious of the possibility of high blood pressure as men.

I don’t need to worry about just a few points, do I?

Average and healthy blood pressure readings and guidelines are set for a very important reason. Anything outside of said normal limits should be researched and taken seriously. Slightly high readings may be the result of stress or fluid retention, but it may also be a prelude to a potentially fatal problem. Because the only person who is qualified to determine the cause is a health care professional, they should be contacted immediately.

High blood pressure only affects the heart:

While high blood pressure is a condition of the heart, it affects many other parts of the body as well. For one, high blood pressure can cause poor circulation, making the extremities subject to cold and numbness. Extremely high blood pressure, especially if the increase is sudden, can cause a stroke, which directly affects the brain and in turn causes problems for the entire body. A stroke can cause permanent damage to one or both sides of the body, including limbs, face and even speech.

Diet and exercise are the only way to lower blood pressure:

The population as a whole, especially the United States tends to be lazy and less inclined to exercise on a regular basis. Diet changes are virtually unheard of for anything besides weight loss. In general, people who think that diet and exercise are the only way to lower blood pressure are at greater risk of keeping their blood pressure raised. In fact, there are several ways a person can lower their blood pressure, including decreasing stress levels, lowering salt intake, and staying away from blood pressure raising medications.

I should only be checked after I reach middle age:

It is true that middle age is often a point when people notice hypertension, but it can develop long before middle age. In fact, it can start at a very young age, even early childhood. Regular blood pressure monitoring can and should be performed with checkups from childhood and more frequently is there is cause for concern.

It is okay to take over the counter cold and flu medications:

Cold and flu medications are great for relieving symptoms, but unfortunately they also raise blood pressure. If mixed with alcohol or drugs, the results can be dangerous, or even deadly, as with any medication. Always ask a pharmacist about the possible side effects of medications you are considering taking.

I feel better, should I stop taking my blood pressure medications?

Self medicating, or reducing or stopping your medications can have a deadly result. Chances are you are feeling better because the blood pressure medications are working. If you stop abruptly, you run the risk of sending your body into shock. This condition is called rebound hypertension and should be taken very seriously. If you feel like it is time for a change, consult your physician before making any decisions.

American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org

American Nurse’s Association www.healthybloodpressure.org/ana/patients/patients_myths.html