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Wrong notions or misconceptions lead to the
development of myths. Every topic today has its own list of myths. So,
is the case of high blood pressure. Given below are the top 9 myths and
realities of high blood pressure.
Myth No.1:
Only people with hyper-personalities suffer from high blood pressure.
Reality-
This is not the case at all. Anyone can get high blood pressure,
regardless of their age, sex, race, religion or personality.
Myth No.2:
If you don't have hypertension even after the age of 55, it
means you are fine.
Reality- Don’t take this, not for your
life! Hypertension can develop at any stage of your life. So, do not
think that you are safe from the risk of hypertension. Continue with the
precautions necessary to prevent the development of hypertension.
Myth
No.3: If blood pressure is high, the cholesterol level will also be
high.
Reality- Such a conception is baseless. Sometimes, it is
true with some individuals, but this is not always the case.
Myth
No.4: 120/80 mmHg is normal blood pressure.
Reality-
120/80 used to be the normal blood pressure. Now-a-days, as per the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a healthy blood
pressure is defined as a blood pressure that is less than 120/80. This
is because, now, blood pressures as low as 115/75 can also cause heart
attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Myth No.5:
Current drugs have no side effects or the side effects are not as bad as
they used to be.
Reality- This is partially true. Intake of
drugs still increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and causes
other adverse side effects, like nausea and impotency. Some drugs do not
cause diabetes, but do cause weight gain. And some may actually increase
the risk of heart attacks.
Myth
No.6: If the systolic blood pressure is high, then there is no need
of setting the alarm bells ringing. But if the diastolic blood pressure
is high, it needs immediate attention.
Reality- This is not
true at all. Both, systolic and diastolic pressures are of paramount
importance. However, as per the current research, treating a high
systolic blood pressure in older people is especially important and
treating a high diastolic blood pressure in younger people is imperative.
Myth No.7: Dietary measures do not work, as doctors barely
prescribe them.
Reality- The right diet not only reduces blood
pressure but also lowers the risk of diabetes, heart attacks, cancer,
and stroke. In fact, a healthy diet is more effective than drugs.
Myth
No.8: Everyone develops hypertension as they get older. It is just a
natural part of growing older.
Reality- Not at all!
Hypertension is not a natural part of growing older. If it were, every
old person would have hypertensive.
Myth No.9: If your
medication upset your sexual life, you will just have to live with it.
Reality-
It is true that some medication cause sexual dysfunction as a side
effect. But, if this is the case, then talk to your doctor, and get your
medicine changed. You do not have to live with it.
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