Hypertension is characterized by your blood pressure staying high for too long. It can be caused by excess salt, smoking, drinking, obesity, or a combination of other factors. Unfortunately, about one in three American adults deal with hypertension. Having the condition untreated can cause severe health problems such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. However, not many people have the correct information regarding high blood pressure. If you are experiencing Port Saint Lucie hypertension, you need to equip yourself with the facts.

You should know that many myths and misconceptions surround hypertension. You will hear all kinds of advice from well-meaning friends and family. Here we take a look at some of the common myths to guide you through making the right health decisions based on facts:

Hypertension Has a Cure

If you get hypertension, it does not mean that is the end of the road. While many people think that the condition has a cure, the truth is that it does not. However, it can be managed and reduce its impact on your health. Alongside lifestyle changes and medication, the following are some tips for managing your hypertension:

·         Eating a well-balanced diet with low salt content

·         Limit alcohol consumption

·         Be consistent with physical activity

·         Watch over your weight

·         Stick to doctor-prescribed medications and take them appropriately

Hypertension Affects Men and Rarely Affects Women

When you look at the current stress levels and the sedentary lifestyles of both genders, no one is less affected by hypertension. Both men and women are prone to high blood pressure. If anything, women are at a higher risk of hypertension and cardiac problem post-menopause.

Hypertension is Inevitable With Age

You do not have to get hypertension, and it is certainly not a normal part of aging. While it is true that older adults are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, it affects middle-aged and young adults too. According to research, 7.5% of people aged 18-39 years are affected by hypertension. However, with age, the percentages become increasingly worrying, with the condition affecting 33.3% of people aged between 40-59 years and 63% of people above 60 years old. As you age, you will likely get high blood pressure, but it is not a guarantee. With some lifestyle interventions such as low salt intake, regular exercising, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet, you reduce the chances of getting hypertension significantly.

You Can Stop Medications Once You Start Feeling Better

Most people think that they can stop taking their medicine when they feel like they have fully recovered. This is not true since hypertension is not reversible. You must follow your doctor’s directions closely if they have prescribed any medicine to you. It would be a bad idea to stop or reduce your dosage without getting approval from your doctor.

Hypertension is a common condition among many adults, but that does not make it any less severe. It can be a lifelong struggle, but luckily it can be managed by following suitable measures to minimize its health risks. By cracking down some of the myths associated with hypertension, you stand a better chance of understanding the condition and how to deal with it head-on.