Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition, and there are several myths and misconceptions associated with it. It’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to hypertension to ensure that you are well-informed about this condition. Here are some common myths about hypertension along with facts to debunk them:
Myth: Hypertension only affects older people.
Fact: While hypertension is more common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults.
Myth: High blood pressure isn’t a serious condition.
Fact: Hypertension is a serious medical condition that can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more. It is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms.
Myth: If you feel fine, your blood pressure must be normal.
Fact: Hypertension is often asymptomatic, and you can feel perfectly fine even if your blood pressure is elevated. Regular blood pressure checks are essential to detect and manage the condition.
Myth: Hypertension can be cured with medication.
Fact: While medication can effectively control high blood pressure, it is not usually cured. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, are important components of hypertension management.
Myth: Only people with a family history of hypertension are at risk.
Fact: Family history can increase your risk of developing hypertension, but lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and stress can also contribute to its development. People with no family history can still develop high blood pressure.
Myth: You can feel when your blood pressure is high.
Fact: As mentioned earlier, hypertension is often asymptomatic. You cannot rely on how you feel to determine your blood pressure status. Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor your blood pressure levels.
Myth: Salt is the sole cause of hypertension.
Fact: While excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals, it’s just one factor. Other factors, such as genetics, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity, can also play a significant role.
Myth: Stress is the main cause of hypertension.
Fact: Stress can temporarily raise blood pressure, but it is not the primary cause of chronic hypertension. A combination of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle, contribute to the development of the condition.
Myth: Once blood pressure is under control, you can stop taking medication.
Fact: Hypertension is a chronic condition, and managing it usually requires long-term medication and lifestyle changes. Consult with our senior internal medicine consultant Dr. M Vani Lakshmi for the best treatment plan.
You can visit our experienced doctors at Dr. Sunny Medical Centre for regular monitoring for effective hypertension management. Schedule an appointment with our senior internal medicine consultant Dr. Vani Lakshmi for accurate information and guidance on managing hypertension. Dr. Vani is fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu that helps her to easily understand the health concerns of patients from diverse backgrounds.