Hypertension
Facts and Myths
The hypertension facts are not to be taken lightly.
In the United
States alone,
it is estimated that one in three adults has the condition.
This
translates to about 73.6 million people, age 20 and above. What is
truly frightening, though, is that approximately 55 percent of people
who had been diagnosed with hypertension did not have their condition
under control.
While
there are certain factors that can put a person at
risk for developing hypertension, the condition itself rarely
presents with any substantial signs or symptoms. Because of the
stealthy nature of high blood pressure, it is often referred to as the
“silent killer.” These hypertension facts and myths should shed some
light on the
condition and help with understanding.
Relevant hypertension facts and myths sorrounding this condition:
Myth: Stroke or heart
attack are the only things you have to worry
about with high blood pressure.
Fact:
Heart attack and stroke are only two of the conditions that can develop
as a result of high blood pressure. Heart failure and heart damage can
occur as well as organ damage and failure as the organs are deprived of
adequate blood and oxygen. Kidney failure is a common condition that
results from uncontrolled hypertension.
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Myth: If your blood pressure medication causes undesirable
side
effects, you just have to live with it.
Fact:
Many medications have side effects (sexual dysfunction, nausea,
fatigue), some of which are unpleasant. But different people react to
medications in different ways. If one medication bothers you, talk to
your doctor and get it changed.
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Myth:
As people get older, they develop hypertension. It happens to
everyone.
Fact:
High blood pressure is not a part of getting old. Young people develop
the condition as well as middle aged adults. It is the
result of narrowed arteries and blood vessels that carry blood
from the
heart through the body. Because the vessels are narrow, it is more
difficult for the blood to move through them. The heart must
work harder and the pressure in the vessel increases,
registering
as high
blood pressure.
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Myth: A high systolic reading is not a cause for concern,
but a high
diastolic reading is critical.
Fact:
Systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure readings are equally
important. The age of the patient does play a part in how critical a
certain reading is. For instance, in young people, a high diastolic
reading is treated as critical, while in older people a high systolic
reading is considered a priority.
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Myth: A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80.
Fact:
There was a time that 120/80 was considered to be a “normal” blood
pressure reading. However, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
has modified the definition so that a “normal” pressure reading is
below 120/80.
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Myth:
The diet, weight and fitness level have nothing to do
with hypertension.
Fact:
A healthy diet, healthy weight and regular exercise can dramatically
reduce blood pressure, but also decreases a patient’s risk for heart
attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes and other debilitating conditions.
It
is important to know the hypertension facts. Maintaining a healthy diet
that is low in sodium, getting regular exercise, getting enough rest,
alleviating stress and seeing your doctor regularly will help lower
your chances of developing the condition. High blood pressure can be
harmful and it may not be easy to identify without a doctor’s aid, but
there are steps you can do to protect yourself.
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