The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that the number of adults with high blood pressure has increased 30 percent over the last decade, escalating high blood pressure as a leading public health crisis. Today, it is estimated that 65 million Americans – or roughly one in three adults – have this condition.

High blood pressure is often misunderstood. Current myths may contribute to the fact that, alarmingly, it is estimated that roughly 70 percent of people with high blood pressure do not have their condition under control. In order for patients to manage their high blood pressure, they need to have a better understanding of the disease. Uncovering myths about high blood pressure is the first step to helping people reach healthier blood pressure goals.

1.MYTH:
There is nothing serious for me to worry about; people don’t die from high blood pressure.

REALITY:
On average, one American dies every two minutes from complications due to high blood pressure.

2.MYTH:
If I really had high blood pressure, I would feel ill.

REALITY:
High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms. The only way to be diagnosed with high blood pressure is to be screened by a qualified health care professional, such as a doctor or nurse.

3. MYTH:
High blood pressure only affects my heart; I don’t have to worry about other diseases.

REALITY:
Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood containing oxygen through 60,000 or so miles of blood vessels leading to the brain, kidneys and eyes. When the pressure in these vessels becomes too great and creates resistance to blood flow, it can cause damage not only to your heart but these other vital organs as well, potentially leading to stroke, kidney disease or heart attack.

4. MYTH:
My numbers are close enough, what’s a few points?

REALITY:
National guidelines state that even slight elevations in blood pressure significantly increase risk of heart attack or stroke. As blood pressure numbers rise above normal range, so does your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. For example, beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, every 20 point increase in your systolic (the top) number or 10 point increase in your diastolic (the bottom) number doubles your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

5. MYTH:
My blood pressure medication makes me feel bad.

REALITY:
Finding the best medication or combination of medications may take awhile, but the good news is there are lots of options and a wide range of medications your health care professional can choose from. If you find that certain medications make you feel bad, you need to go back to your health care professional and work with him/her to find the right prescription medication that will help you reach a healthier blood pressure goal.

6. MYTH:
Diet and exercise are the only ways I can lower my high blood pressure.

REALITY:
Diet and exercise are important factors in gaining control of high blood pressure. However, these lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Studies have shown that using medications to lower blood pressure can help lower the risk of serious complications. In fact, new government guidelines recommend prescription medication for most adults with blood pressure readings above 140/90 mm Hg and above 130/80 mm Hg for people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

7. MYTH:
If I am able to reach my healthy blood pressure goal I will be cured and can stop my treatment program.

REALITY:
High blood pressure is often a lifelong condition. Even once you have reached your healthier blood pressure goal, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and continuing to take prescription medications are essential to controlling high blood pressure.

8. MYTH:
My high blood pressure is my health care professional’s problem, not mine.

REALITY:
While health care professionals are here to provide the necessary guidance and encouragement, taking control of your blood pressure is a joint effort. You should work with your health care professional to help set, achieve and maintain a healthier blood pressure goal. Home monitoring is also a good way to take an active role in maintaining your blood pressure. It can actually help you reach your healthier blood pressure goal and it allows you to monitor activities and decisions that may have effected a change.

9. MYTH:
If I minimize my stress and cut back on caffeine, I will prevent developing high blood pressure.

REALITY:
Caffeine in coffee, as well as in other drinks, such as tea and sodas, only raises blood pressure temporarily. Stress can make blood pressure go up for a while, and it has been thought to contribute to high blood pressure. But the long-term effects of stress are as yet unclear. Stress management techniques do not seem to prevent high blood pressure.