Debunking myths about blood pressure

High Blood pressure is one of the most common lifestyle disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to a survey, 207 million Indians suffer from blood pressure fluctuation. 

What exactly do you understand by high blood pressure? Blood pressure is created by the force of heart pumping the blood as it moves through our body. The harder our heart works, the higher the blood pressure one might have. High blood pressure is often referred to as “the silent killer”, but what is more deadly is the misconceptions that come along with it. The fact behind these misconceptions are often misinterpreted, so debunking them is important. Read on to know some.

MYTH 1: EXERCISING WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS NOT HEALTHY:

People get worried when blood pressure spikes up during working out. But it’s normal for it to rise while you are working out. It helps you balance your blood pressure rather than raising it. It helps you control the spike and the heart to function efficiently.

MYTH 2: MEDICATION IS THE ONLY TREATMENT:

Taking what your doctor has prescribed is important, but making smart lifestyle changes can improve the effectiveness of those medications. Working out, saying yes to more moving activities, having fruits and vegetables, practising yoga and meditation, eventually helps you to decrease your dose.

MYTH 3: THE LOWER THE BLOOD PRESSURE THE BETTER:

Maintaining balanced blood pressure is important, it shouldn’t be too high or too low, but just the right. Low blood pressure could lead to dizziness and light-headedness, which is not good for your health. Lower blood pressure can be an indication of a damaged circulatory system. So, the readings of your blood pressure must be a balanced one. Never skip on the medicines when readings are low. It is crucial to abide by your doctor’s guidelines.

MYTH 4: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS GENETIC, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT:

High blood pressure can run in the family histories but it can be prevented by your own daily habits. Opting for non-alcoholic beverages, working out your body regularly, anti-inflammatory diet and a low-salt meal would not let it run in you. Even though you are genetically exposed to having high blood pressure, your daily chores will not let it overpower you. 

MYTH 5: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A PART OF GETTING OLD:

It is true that the risk of high blood pressure can increase with age but it is not a result of the ageing process. Hypertension is also seen in the age group of twenty to forty. Although, half of all the people over the age bracket of 50 have high blood pressure.

OVER TO YOU:

If you have been falling for the above myths, and ignoring your blood pressure disorders, it’s time to make it right. Routine check-up of blood pressure readings, and following simple changes in your lifestyle, will take you a long way in managing this disorder effectively and efficiently. Consulting a doctor for any inconvenience is necessary.