Disproving blood pressure falsehoods

One of the most prevalent lifestyle diseases, high blood pressure affects millions of people globally. A survey found that 207 million people in India experience fluctuating blood pressure.

In the world, approximately 50% of adults have high blood pressure, but just 1 in 4 have it under control. High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, occurs when the amount of power needed to pump more blood through your blood vessels is too great. This could harm your blood vessels, stiffen them up, reduce oxygen and blood flow to your heart, and ultimately develop heart diseaseā€”the top cause of mortality in the nation.

What do you precisely mean when you say high blood pressure? The power with which our hearts pump blood through our bodies produces blood pressure. The more effort our hearts have to do, the higher our blood pressure may be. The beliefs that surround high blood pressure are more harmful than the condition itself, which is frequently referred to as “the silent killer.” It’s crucial to dispel these myths because the truth underlying them is frequently interpreted incorrectly. Learn more by reading on.

MYTH: I CAN EAT WHATEVER I WANT AS LONG AS I DON’T SALT IT TOO MUCH.

Perhaps you are already aware that salt raises blood pressure. However, salt is more than just what you sprinkle on your food with a saltshaker. Garg lists some of the most typical sources of dietary salt as follows:

  • rolls and bread
  • poultry-based meals, such as meatloaf
  • sandwiches, including cheeseburgers
  • Luncheon meats, such as turkey or deli ham
  • Pizza
  • Pasta recipes
  • Soups
  • Cheese
  • Snack items, such as pretzels and potato chips

MYTH: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE EXERCISE IS UNHEALTHY:

When blood pressure increases during exercise, people worry. However, it is typical for it to increase as you exercise. Instead of boosting your blood pressure, it aids in maintaining a healthy level. It enables you to effectively control your heart rate and spike.

MYTH: COFFEE USE MIGHT INCREASE BLOOD PRESSURE.

You might believe that caffeine raises blood pressure since it is a stimulant, however most research disproves this.

According to a report, regular caffeine consumption doesn’t usually cause blood pressure to rise, but it might in the case of those who consume large amounts of it through beverages like soda, coffee, or energy drinks. Alcohol, though, does have an impact. Alcohol use in excess can cause blood pressure to rise, he claims. Drinking alcohol, even red wine, in moderation is advised. Alcohol usage that is frequent and heavy can significantly raise blood pressure. Additionally, it can result in heart failure, a stroke, and irregular heartbeats. High triglycerides, cancer, obesity, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and accidents are all risks of excessive alcohol consumption. If you do drink, keep your daily intake to a maximum of two drinks for men and one for women. A 12-ounce beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof whiskey, or one ounce of hard liquor constitute one drink, respectively 

Your blood pressure can benefit from cutting back on alcohol consumption.

MYTH: THE ONLY TREATMENT IS MEDICATION:

While it’s crucial to take the prescriptions your doctor has given, smart lifestyle adjustments can also increase the efficiency of the drugs. You can ultimately reduce your dosage by exercising, engaging in more active pursuits, eating more fruits and vegetables, practicing yoga, and engaging in meditation.

MYTH: MEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.

Men are more likely than women to have hypertension before the age of 50, however after menopause, a woman’s risk rises and may even be larger than a man’s,

There are a few more factors for high blood pressure in women. Their danger of hypertension may increase if they use birth control. Pregnant women with high blood pressure may experience more difficulties, and postpartum pregnant women with high blood pressure are more likely to have high blood pressure in the future.

MYTH: LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE IS BETTER TRULY BETTER:

It’s crucial to keep your blood pressure in the proper range; it shouldn’t be either too high or too low. Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness and vertigo, which is harmful to your health. Lower blood pressure may be a sign of circulatory system impairment. Your blood pressure readings, therefore, need to be balanced. When readings are low, take your medications as prescribed. It’s crucial to abide by your doctor’s advice.

MYTH: THERE ISN’T ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE BECAUSE IT IS GENETIC:

Although high blood pressure may run in families, it can be avoided by making healthy everyday choices. You could prevent it from running in you by choosing non-alcoholic beverages, frequent exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet, and low-salt meals. Even if you are genetically programmed to have high blood pressure, your everyday responsibilities will prevent you from letting it control you.

There could be a familial history of hypertension.. You are more likely to acquire high blood pressure if your parents or other near-blood relatives did. However, many individuals with a family history of high blood pressure have been able to prevent it themselves by lifestyle adjustments.

Myth: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE COMES WITH AGE.

While the risk of elevated blood pressure does seem to rise with age, the condition is not brought on by aging. In those between the ages of twenty and forty, hypertension is also common. Although, high blood pressure affects 50% of the population over the age of 50.

MYTH: BECAUSE I’M YOUNG, I DON’T NEED TO BOTHER ABOUT MY BLOOD PRESSURE.

Older adults are indeed more likely to have high blood pressure. This is because as we age, our arteries naturally become stiffer, which increases vascular resistance and raises blood pressure.

However, younger adults can also have elevated blood pressure, which may be the cause of a troubling rise in the number of strokes among this age group. High blood pressure can also affect kids and teenagers, probably as a result of the rise in pediatric obesity.

NOW TO YOU

It’s time to make amends if you have been ignoring your blood pressure problems while believing the aforementioned falsehoods. You can manage this illness successfully and efficiently by regularly checking your blood pressure levels and making a few easy lifestyle modifications. For any discomfort, seeing a doctor is required.

If you have more concern Have a consultation call with dietitian Rupanshi Taneja to learn more.

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