Time & Again Blood Pressure Myths Keep Hallucinating Individuals Across the Globe

An Individual Can Avoid Blood Pressure by Following a Healthy Lifestyle

​Blood pressure is the reason for many other diseases and sodium levels greatly affect blood pressure rates. But there are certain misconceptions about blood pressure which needs immediate attention.

1. Myth: I have a family history of blood pressure and I am going to get it anyhow!
   Fact: High blood pressure is genetic and having a mother or sibling with blood pressure can make you a victim too. But with strict lifestyle modifications people having a family history of blood pressure have avoided it throughout their lives.
2. Myth: I maintain my sodium and blood pressure levels as I don’t use table salt for cooking.
   Fact: Sodium levels are not controlled simply by staying away from the salt shakers at home. The main culprits of sodium are not our homemade foods, but the packaged and processed foods like soups, pizzas, rolls, breads, sauces and canned foods. Read the food label before buying these foods for words such as ‘soda’, ‘Na’ or ‘sodium’ to verify the presence of sodium. Processed foods have many other health disadvantages as well which are extremely shocking when you read it from the website www.firsteatright.com.
3. Myth: I don’t use regular table salt but only sea salt or kosher as they are low-sodium alternatives.
   Fact: Kosher salt and sea salt have the same chemical composition as the table salt (40% sodium) and contribute the same amounts of sodium like the table salt.
4. Myth: I am brisk and fit. Blood pressure can never affect me.
   Fact: Many adults have high blood pressure and are not even aware of it or don’t experience any symptoms of the same. This is dangerous as uncontrolled blood pressure levels can result in stroke and other critical health problems as well.
5. Myth: I don’t have any symptoms of nervousness, sweating, sleeping difficulty or flushed face like my friend with blood pressure.
   Fact: People suffer from years of blood pressure without even knowing its existence. It has been aptly called the ‘silent killer’ just for the reason that there are not much symptoms. It is better to check your pressure readings rather than waiting for the symptoms.
6. Myth: I read somewhere that wine is good for heart and I am going to drink it to my heart’s content.
   Fact: Any alcohol, including red wine, must be consumed in moderation, restricting the intake to one drink in the case of women and two drinks in the case of men. Heavy and frequent alcohol consumption can lead to stroke, heart failure, cancer, obesity, addiction to alcohol and even suicide.
7. Myth: I have hypertension and my doctor keeps checking my readings regularly and there is no need for me to do it at home too!
   Fact: Blood pressure keeps fluctuating and home monitoring of the readings can provide your physician a better insight into your condition. It indicates whether you really have high blood pressure and if the treatment plan is working fine. Taking readings at the same time every morning and evening every day, as instructed by your physician is important.
8. Myth: I had high blood pressure, but my readings nowadays are in the normal range. I am going to stop taking medications now.
   ​Fact: High blood pressure is a lifelong disease in most patients. It is better to follow your physician’s instructions to the dot, even if it means taking medications for the rest of your life. By following your physician’s instructions, you can enjoy good health and stay off the mental stress linked to high pressure levels.