Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure
“Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.” (What is Blood Pressure n.d.) Whenever the heart beats, blood is pumped into the arteries. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the force is strong, registering above 140/90 mmHg in the sphygmomanometer. This causes health complications like stroke, heart and kidney problems. According to American Heart Association article on Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure, high blood pressure is the number one modifiable risk factor for stroke and that about 800,000 Americans are victims of stroke every year. (2008) Thus it is important to understand this health condition and correct common misconceptions so as not to endanger people’s health unnecessarily. Below are common misconceptions about high blood pressure and brief corrective explanations.
High blood pressure is a man’s problem so women do not have to worry. Because of the male stereotyped role of being exposed to stresses at work and take charge of solving financial and security problems, they have the tendency to have hypertension. Women are not susceptible to this because they do not worry about money and security; most stay at home and do not experience work stresses and burn outs. Firstly, it is wrong to stereotype men of being the only ones exposed to a lot of stresses. Women, even those who just stay at home may also experience stresses. Also, high blood pressure is not gender specific. It can be anyone’s problem. Whether they are male or female, they need to have their blood pressure checked especially when they have poor diet, stress and have a family history of hypertension. There are even instances when women are at greater risks than men; if they are taking birth control pills, pregnant, overweight or postmenoposal. (Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure 2008)
Many people think that high blood pressure is only for the oldies. One can only contract hypertension when he is in the middle age. It may be because many see that older people are the ones who have heart attacks and stroke. Younger people also have the notion that because they are young, they are strong and not susceptible to illnesses. Unfortunately even children as young as six can have high blood pressure. Poor diet and lifestyles of young people expose them these dangers. Research showed that “teenagers with higher blood pressure and extra pounds have thicker arteries by age 30”. (Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure 2008) It is important to monitor their blood pressure at an early age, monitor the weight and the physical activities to avoid obesity and early complications caused by high blood pressure.
After taking medication for some time and symptoms of dizziness and tightness disappear, others think that they are well already and decide to either cut back their medications or even stop fully. Others who are afraid or either lazy to go to their doctors to have their health monitored simply decide by themselves based on how they feel. High blood pressure is a lifelong disease; it cannot be cured but it can be controlled. When doctors prescribe medications, patients must follow exactly as prescribed. It is dangerous to alter, reduce or stop the medications without consulting the doctor. The body may react to the reduction or stoppage of these medications so that this must be guided by the attending doctor.
Some people who are taking blood pressure medications are not careful with other medicines they take. They think that they can take any over-the counter medications when they have cold, flu or other common illnesses. Many do not consult their doctors on what medications to take whenever they do not feel well and forget that they have high blood pressure. Many over-the-counter drugs have dangerous effect on certain heart conditions and increase the risk of having heart problems, attack or stroke. Decongestants are known to increase blood pressure and have effects on blood pressure medications. (Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure 2008) People who have high blood pressure should be careful in taking medications for other illnesses like cold, cough or flu.
References
1. “Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure” (April 2008) American Heart Association. Retrieved 27 May 2008 from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3008517
2. “What is blood pressure?” Life Clinic: Health Management Systems. Retrieved 28 May 2008 from http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/blood/whatisit.asp