If we can have a correct understanding of hypertension, everyone can manage and control their blood pressure. Here are some common misconceptions about hypertension.
Myth 1: Hypertension cannot be prevented,
Many people will think that if family members or close relatives suffer from hypertension, no matter I am a what, I will suffer from hypertension sooner or later.
It is true that hypertension has a genetic tendency. If your parents or close relatives have suffered from hypertension, you are more likely to suffer from hypertension than others, but the risk is high, which does not mean that you will definitely suffer from hypertension.
Although a healthy lifestyle cannot guarantee that you will be 100% away from hypertension, it can reduce the risk of hypertension.
- Healthy eating habits, especially low-salt diet; Regular sports activities; Overweight people should lose weight. Learn to relieve pressure; Quit smoking; Alcohol restriction.
Myth 2: Low-salt diet is to stir-fry with less salt.
Less salt in stir-frying is only one aspect of a low-salt diet.
In addition to this, we should also pay attention to other aspects.
For example:
- Pay attention to other high-salt condiments, such as soy sauce and oyster sauce. Eat less pickled food; Pay attention to the sodium content when buying snacks.
Myth 3: Hypertension, no symptoms, don’t worry about
If hypertension is not controlled or not well controlled, it will damage large and small blood vessels all over the body, leading to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, renal dysfunction and other health problems.
Once various symptoms are controlled, it may have caused damage to health and missed the best time to control hypertension.
Myth 4: Hypertension Is Symptomatic
Hypertension in the early stage, many people can have no symptoms.
The awareness rate of hypertension patients in China (i.e. Hypertension patients know that they have hypertension) is only about 50%.
Previously, hypertension was called “silent killer” because it can gradually destroy human arteries, heart and other organs without any symptoms. Once symptoms occur, it is a life-threatening emergency such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
Myth 5: Wine is good for the heart. Drink as much as you want.
In fact, there is still controversy in academia as to whether wine is good for the heart. However, the risks brought by excessive alcohol intake are certain.
Therefore, people with hypertension can give up drinking and try to give up drinking. If you can’t quit, please drink a small amount of alcohol, whether it is wine, beer or white wine.
Myth 6: It is enough for the doctor to take my blood pressure.
Under normal conditions, people’s blood pressure fluctuates during the day, and the blood pressure fluctuation of hypertension patients is more obvious.
In hospitals, doctors only measure temporary blood pressure. Monitoring and recording at home can better reflect the changes in blood pressure. When seeing a doctor, showing the data to the doctor can provide better information to the doctor.
Especially for patients with hypertension who have just started treatment. The blood pressure at home can help doctors judge whether the current treatment plan is appropriate. However, attention should be paid to the accuracy of sphygmomanometer and blood pressure measurement methods.
Myth 7: If your blood pressure is normal, you can stop taking drugs.
Essential hypertension cannot be cured completely, and the vast majority of hypertension patients need to take medicine for life.
Normal blood pressure is the result of drug control, not the cure of hypertension. Once the drug is stopped, blood pressure is likely to rebound, and some drugs will also have serious withdrawal reactions.
Therefore, even if the blood pressure has remained stable for a long time, don’t stop taking the medicine casually. You can ask your doctor first, reduce the dosage under the guidance of the doctor, and strictly monitor your blood pressure to maintain a healthy lifestyle.