Unmasking 10 Hypertension Stages & Myths: The Shocking Truth

16 Hypertension Myths That You’ve Probably Believed – But The Truth Will Shock You!

#1. The modern blood pressure cuff has been around for more than 100 years.

That’s right! For more than 100 years we’ve been measuring this vital health statistic the same way. Invented by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch in 1881, the modern blood pressure cuff, or sphygmomanometer, was popularized by Dr. Harvey Cushing in 1901. He brought the device to the US, modernized it, and popularized it within the medical community. We definitely think it’s time to move past the traditional cuff!

# 2. The normal blood pressure range has changed. 

In 2017, The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology redefined blood pressure guidelines, changing stage 1 levels from 140/90 to 130/80 mm Hg. At the time, the update meant that 30 million, or 14%, more American Adults officially had high blood pressure. 

# 3. Most people with high blood pressure do not know they have it. 

The biggest problem with hypertension – aka “the silent killer” – is there are no outward symptoms, making it difficult and inconvenient to regularly measure and thus preventing proper management. Of the 1.13 billion people worldwide who have hypertension, only half have it under control. 

# 4. Young people and pregnant women can have hypertension, too. 

While high blood pressure is very common in older people due to aging vascular systems, they are not the only age group at risk. Nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 44 in the US have high blood pressure, and according to the CDC, high blood pressure happens in 1 in every 12 to 17 pregnancies among women ages 20 to 44.

# 5. Hypertension contributes to more than 1000 deaths per day. 

In the US, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of death for more than 494,873 people in 2018. Having hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.

While there is no way to prevent primary hypertension, it can be controlled through a healthy lifestyle and medication if necessary, as advised by your doctor. Checking your blood pressure regularly is the only way to know for sure whether it is too high. 

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.13Bn people worldwide have hypertension. Dubbed the “silent killer,” only one in five people afflicted with hypertension has control over their condition. 

#6: Salt is the Only Thing That Affects Your Blood Pressure

While excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure, it’s not the sole factor. Other lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, stress, genetics, and underlying health conditions such as kidney disease can also play significant roles.

Adopting a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can all help manage blood pressure levels.

#7: Only Overweight or Obese People Develop Hypertension

While being overweight or obese is a risk factor for hypertension, it’s not the only one. Hypertension can affect individuals of any weight, including those who appear thin. Factors like genetics, age, diet, physical activity level, and stress play significant roles.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and regular check-ups is essential for everyone, regardless of weight, to prevent and manage hypertension.

#8: Hypertension is a Men’s Health Issue

Hypertension affects both men and women, and women are not immune to its risks. However, women may face unique hypertension risk factors due to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy-related hypertension and menopause.

Additionally, women’s symptoms and responses to treatment may differ from men’s. Both men and women must monitor their blood pressure regularly, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and seek medical advice when needed to prevent and manage hypertension effectively.

#9: You Can’t Prevent Hypertension

While some factors contributing to hypertension, such as genetics, cannot be changed, many lifestyle choices can help prevent or manage hypertension effectively.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can all contribute to lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of hypertension.

Regular check-ups and early intervention can also help identify and address risk factors before they develop into hypertension.

#10: Once You Have Hypertension, You’ll Need Medication for Life

While medication may be necessary to manage hypertension for some individuals, it’s not the only option, and lifestyle changes can often reduce or eliminate the need for medication.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, can significantly impact blood pressure levels.

However, it’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual health factors and monitor blood pressure regularly to ensure it remains within a healthy range.

#11: Exercise Makes Hypertension Worse

Regular exercise is a crucial component of managing hypertension and overall cardiovascular health. While short-term increases in blood pressure can occur during exercise, regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure in the long term by improving heart health, reducing stress, and promoting weight loss or maintenance.

However, individuals with hypertension should consult with their healthcare provider before starting an exercise program and choose activities appropriate for their fitness level and health status.

Gradual increases in exercise intensity and duration, along with proper warm-up and cool-down routines, can help minimize the risk of complications and maximize the benefits of exercise for hypertension management.

#12: Hypertension is Just a Temporary Condition

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a temporary condition. While some factors, such as stress or certain medications, can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, chronic hypertension is a long-term health concern that requires ongoing management.

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.

It’s essential to address hypertension with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional to prevent further health issues and improve overall well-being.

#13: There’s Only One Way to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Lowering blood pressure involves a multifaceted approach that goes beyond a single solution. While medication may be necessary for some individuals, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing hypertension effectively. Dietary modifications, such as reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium-rich foods, and following a heart-healthy diet like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, can significantly impact blood pressure levels.

Regular physical activity, stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco use are also important components of hypertension management.

The most effective approach to lowering blood pressure often involves a combination of these strategies tailored to individual health needs and preferences.

#14:Hypertension Myths – Herbal Remedies Are a Cure

While some herbs may help manage hypertension, they should not replace prescribed medications or lifestyle changes.

#15:Hypertension Myths – Hypertension Is Inevitable with Age

While age increases susceptibility, healthy lifestyle choices can mitigate the risk and delay or prevent the onset of hypertension.

#16:Hypertension Myths – Cutting Out All Fats Lowers Blood Pressure

While reducing unhealthy fats is beneficial, incorporating healthy fats like those from avocados and nuts can support heart health and lower blood pressure.