|
Following are some widely held myths about high blood pressure. Click on each myth to learn the reality.
There is nothing serious for me to worry about; people don't die from high blood pressure.
If I really had high blood pressure, I would feel ill.
High blood pressure only affects my heart; I don't have to worry about other diseases.
My numbers are good enough - what's a few points?
My blood pressure medication made me feel worse.
Diet and exercise are the only ways I can lower my high blood pressure.
If I am able to reach my healthier blood pressure goal, I will be cured and can stop my treatment program.
My high blood pressure is my health care professional's problem, not mine.
If I minimize my stress level and cut back on caffeine, I can prevent developing high blood pressure.
|
|
On average one American dies every two minutes from complications due to high blood pressure. |
| |
|
|
|
You may think that just because you feel OK, you don't have to worry about high blood pressure, but the fact is that most people with high blood pressure are asymptomatic (meaning they have no symptoms). High blood pressure often carries no signs or symptoms. That's why it's extremely important for you to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis by a health care professional, such as a doctor or nurse. A professional screening is the only way to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. |
| |
|
|
|
Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood containing oxygen through about 60,000 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 severe damage not only to your heart but to these other vital organs as well, potentially leading to stroke, kidney disease or heart attack.
|
| |
|
|
|
New national guidelines state that even slight elevations in blood pressure significantly increase risk of having a stroke or heart attack. It doesn't take much of an increase in blood pressure to raise your chances of developing problems with your heart, blood vessels, brain or kidneys. Your important organs need healthy blood flow to deliver oxygen to nourish and maintain them, which is why it's so important to keep the right level of pressure in your blood vessels. Healthy lifestyle changes can help improve your blood pressure. The first step is to ask your health care professional what's right for you. You should know your healthy blood pressure goal number, and work with your health care professional to achieve it. |
| |
|
|
|
You could be feeling ill for a variety of reasons, so first, see your doctor to determine the cause. If you are suffering unwanted side effects from your medication, remember that there are many options available, and it may take a while to find the best medication or combination of medications for you. If you find that certain medications make you feel bad, you need to go back to your health care professional and work with him or her to find the right prescription medication and reach a healthier blood pressure goal. |
| |
|
|
|
Lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy low fat/low cholesterol, low salt diet and increasing aerobic exercise (such as walking, biking or swimming), play an essential role in ensuring your health if you are pre-hypertensive or if you have high blood pressure. But diet and exercise alone may not be enough to control your high blood pressure - you may need medication. Most people with high blood pressure need to take a combination of drugs to reach and maintain their blood pressure goal. New national guidelines recommend prescription drug treatment for most adults who have blood pressured readings at or above 140/90 mm Hg, and for people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease who have readings at or above 130/80 mm Hg. You should work with your health care professional to set, achieve and maintain a healthier blood pressure goal. |
| |
|
|
|
High blood pressure is generally a lifelong condition. It can't be cured, but the good news is that it can be managed by taking the proper steps. Even when you reach a healthier blood pressure goal, it is important to continue to work with your health care professional and maintain healthy lifestyle changes. Finding the best medication or combination of medications may take awhile. If you find that certain medications make you feel ill, you need to go back to your health care professional and work with him or her to find a medical treatment that will help you reach a healthier blood pressure goal. Finally, if a medication were prescribed to assist you in controlling your blood pressure, you should continue to take this medication as directed by your health care professional, because it is part of the overall treatment plan that helped you manage your blood pressure. |
| |
|
|
|
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. |
| |
|
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
 |
