Do You Believe These High Blood Pressure Myths?
As the rate of high blood pressure increases, so do myths. Learn the Truth.
High blood pressure affects one in three adults in the United States and is beginning to affect children as young as 12-years-old. With so much concern about lowering blood pressure, many myths are springing up. Learn the truth about these myths.
Myth #1 -- Diet and Exercise Don't Lower Blood Pressure
Eating a healthy diet high in unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and fiber is effective in reducing high blood pressure. Not only does it help lower your blood pressure, it helps prevent the risk of diabetes, heart attacks, cancer and stroke. Exercise is a proven method for reducing blood pressure.
Myth #2 -- High Blood Pressure is a Natural Part of Aging
Definitely not. If this were true, all elderly people would have high blood pressure.
Myth #3 -- If You Don't Have High Blood Pressure by Age 55, You'll Never Have It
High blood pressure can develop at any time and at any stage of life. Just because you don't have high blood pressure at 55 doesn't mean you can't develop it later.
Myth #4 -- You'll Know You Have High Blood Pressure Because of the Symptoms
The name for high blood pressure is, 'The Silent Killer.' There aren't any physical signs of high blood pressure. The only way to be sure you have it is to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Myth #5 -- High Cholesterol Leads to High Blood Pressure
High cholesterol levels and blood pressure aren't related but the lifestyle that leads to high cholesterol also leads to high blood pressure.
Only 23% of all adults diagnosed with high blood pressure take medication. Many of these people also believe the common high blood pressure myths told by friends and family. This is dangerous. To stay healthy, have your blood pressure regularly by your doctor. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, include plenty of exercise, and don't believe every myth you hear about high blood pressure.
