Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is essential for heart health. But with so much misinformation circulating, it can be difficult to tell what’s real and what isn’t. Getting the facts straight on some common blood pressure management myths can help you take control of your heart health.
Let’s take a look at some of these common myths.
You Can Tell You Have High Blood Pressure From How You Feel
The reality is that high blood pressure (hypertension) is largely a “silent” condition. Most people with elevated blood pressure don’t have any symptoms. The best way to know if your levels fall into the unhealthy range is to get your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure regularly. Small healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way in lowering your numbers and reducing your risk of heart disease.
Your Blood Pressure Is Rising Because You’re Older
Blood pressure does tend to rise as we advance in age. But just because it’s common for older adults to have elevated blood pressure does not mean it’s healthy. Over time, straining your heart muscle to pump blood through stiffened arteries causes damage and invites plaque buildup.
This increases your chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Following your physician’s treatment regimen, which may include medication and lifestyle adjustments, can help you regain control of your blood pressure management, regardless of your age.
Sea Salt and Kosher Salt Are Healthier Alternatives
You may choose sea salt or kosher salt over table salt when cooking or seasoning foods because you believe they contain less sodium. However, all these salts contain comparable amounts of sodium per unit volume. Limiting sodium intake from all dietary sources is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. This includes reducing the salt you add while cooking and limiting processed foods that tend to be high in salt.
Drinking Moderate Levels of Alcohol Has No Effect On Blood Pressure
It’s true that some studies show potential heart benefits from moderate alcohol consumption, such as red wine. However, even moderate habitual drinking can cause blood pressure to increase in some people. Heavy alcohol use on a regular basis can spike blood pressure to dangerously high levels. Check with your doctor about safe alcohol consumption given your individual health profile. Limiting intake to one drink or less per day for women and two for men is considered moderate.
You Don’t Need Blood Pressure Medication If You Exercise And Eat Healthy
Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes involving nutrition and physical activity should be the foundation for controlling blood pressure. But for some people with high genetic risk or who have struggled to make impactful changes, medication may be necessary as an additional measure. Work with your physician to determine if you could benefit from adding blood pressure medication to your management regimen. Do not quit taking prescribed meds unless explicitly instructed by your provider.
Occasional High Readings Are Not A Big Deal
Major health organizations recently lowered the threshold for high blood pressure. Now, blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg, even if just temporary spikes, may indicate emerging issues that need attention. Sustained high blood pressure strains the cardiac system. However, even occasional high numbers signify increased risk, according to recent research. Tracking trends through home monitoring and informing your doctor can help verify if treatment is needed.
You Can Stop Taking Medication If Your Numbers Improve
Being diagnosed with hypertension means a lifetime of managing this condition through some combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. There is no real “cure” for high blood pressure. Abruptly halting medication can cause levels to shoot back up and even higher than before treatment began. Always confer with the physician who prescribed your high blood pressure medication before making any changes.
Having Smaller “Mini” Heart Attacks Reduces Your Risk For A Major Event
A heart attack of any size indicates existing cardiovascular disease. All heart attacks require urgent medical care to try to prevent complications. But experiencing a minor heart attack is considered a critical warning sign that a future major event could be imminent and potentially fatal if preventative steps are not taken. Controlling cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and following your doctor’s treatment advice can help reduce your risk.
If You Take Medication For High Blood Pressure, You Don’t Need To Worry About Your Lifestyle
Medication can help control high blood pressure. But there is no substitute for maintaining heart-healthy behaviors involving physical activity, nutrition, weight management, sleep, and stress control. Research overwhelmingly shows that people taking blood pressure medication still benefit enormously from maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Work closely with your physicians to establish the appropriate combination approach for your needs.
Talk with Our Blood Pressure Management Experts
Get the facts about common blood pressure myths so you can work effectively with your care team to reduce your risk of life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Small daily choices to eat nutritious foods, stay active, manage stress, maintain a healthy body weight, and take medications as prescribed when needed can pay off tremendously.
Imperial Center Family Medicine is here to help support your heart health with personalized blood pressure management guidance. Contact us today at 919-873-4437 or online, and our caring healthcare providers can help assess your risk, provide science-based recommendations, prescribe medication if appropriate, and partner with you on making sustainable lifestyle changes.