High Blood Pressure Symptoms Causes Diet Treatment

Because it matters…Heart disease awareness

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SYMPTOMS CAUSES DIET & TREATMENT

Dr.Armughan Riaz
M.B.B.S, Dip Card
Consultant Cardiologist

 

10 Misconceptions about High Blood Pressure

10 misconceptions about High Blood Pressure, Even though there are factors that can affect your blood pressure, you should never ignore several readings that indicate you may have high blood pressure

10 misconceptions about High Blood Pressure

1-Common symptoms of high blood pressure include nervousness, sweating and difficulty sleeping.
Wrong. High blood pressure has NO symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” The only way to know if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked.

2. Every time I go to the doctor, my blood pressure is high, but that’s just because I’m nervous. I’m sure my blood pressure is OK at home.
Some people may experience what’s called “white-coat hypertension” when they’re at the doctor’s office.Even though there are factors that can affect your blood pressure, you should never ignore several readings that indicate you may have high blood pressure

3. If you have high cholesterol, you automatically have high blood pressure.
False.  High blood cholesterol doesn’t automatically lead to high blood pressure, but many of the same lifestyle habits that may increase blood cholesterol levels also may cause elevated blood pressure

4. These days everyone has high blood pressure. It’s just a fact of life, and I don’t need to worry about it.
These are stressful times, and stress may add to your risk factors for high blood pressure. That’s why it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked. About 69 percent of people who have a first attack, 77 percent who have a first stroke, and 74 percent who have congestive heart failure have BP higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Also, high blood pressure is the No. 1 modifiable risk factor for stroke.

5. I took my high blood pressure medication for a while, but I’m feeling much better now. I figure it’s OK to cut it back or even quit.
Absolutely not. High blood pressure is a lifelong disease. It can be controlled but not cured. If your doctor has prescribed medication for you, take it exactly as prescribed for as long as the doctor tells you to take it. You may have to take medicine for whole life.

6. High blood pressure is a man’s problem.  I’m a woman so I don’t have to worry.
If you’re on the Pill, pregnant, overweight, postmenopausal, African American or have a family history of high blood pressure, you may be more likely to have high blood pressure

7. I can take any kind of over-the-counter medications when I have a cold or the flu.
That’s not true. People with high blood pressure should know that taking certain cold, cough and flu medications could be dangerous. Decongestants have been reported to increase blood pressure and may interfere with blood pressure medications.

8. You don’t need to have your high blood pressure checked until you reach middle age.
It’s a good idea to start having your blood pressure checked at an early age — even children as young as 6 can have high blood pressure. When kids reach the teen years, they should certainly have their pressure checked.

9- High Blood Pressure Can't Be Prevented
Perhaps you have other relatives with high blood pressure. Maybe you're a member of a group of people who are at greater risk. For these or other reasons, you may be tempted to think that there's nothing you can do about high blood pressure. By regular exercise, low salt intake, restricting from alcohol and smoking you may control your BP.In fact, if you work with your doctor to develop a comprehensive program for managing your high blood pressure, that plan can work. To maximize the benefits of your plan, follow these steps:

* Check your blood pressure as often as recommended by your doctor.
* Follow your treatment plan consistently. Let your doctor know right away if you have problems with parts of the plan. Your doctor may refer you to other health care professionals who can help.
* See your doctor as often as requested. Bring your blood pressure records to show your doctor how the plan is working.
* Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about medication side effects. Know when to call your doctor if there is a problem.

10-It's OK As Long As One Number Is Normal, i.e systolic or diastolic BP values
Many people pay more attention to the systolic rate than the diastolic, but experts say that the heart can tolerate a high top (systolic) number better than a high bottom (diastolic) number.

 



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