Until now, various myths about high blood pressure are still circulating in the community. In fact, these myths have made some people underestimate this disease. In order not to be misguided, let's look at the myths related to hypertension and the facts behind it.
Normally, an adult's blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. The number 120 indicates the systolic pressure, while 80 indicates the diastolic pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when blood pressure rises dramatically, i.e. systolic pressure is above 140 and diastolic is above 90.
Hypertension often appears without symptoms, so the sufferer still feels that his body is healthy. This condition is generally only detected when a person undergoes blood pressure checks.
Various Myths About Hypertension and the Facts
There are many myths about hypertension that are still considered true by the public, even though the facts are not necessarily true. Here are some myths and facts about hypertension that are important to know:
1. Hypertension is not dangerous
High blood pressure is often considered harmless because it rarely shows symptoms. In fact, hypertension that is left untreated can damage blood vessels and various organs, such as the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Until now, uncontrolled high blood pressure is still one of the main causes of various dangerous diseases, such as heart failure, heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke.
In the long term, hypertension can cause death if not treated properly. Therefore, this disease is also known as silent killer. Because there are no specific symptoms, regular blood pressure checks by a doctor are necessary.
2. It doesn't matter if only one of the blood pressure numbers is abnormal
Blood pressure can be measured with a sphygmomanometer or better known as a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is indicated by two numbers. The first value is called the systolic pressure, while the second value is called the diastolic pressure.
The blood pressure numbers that appear can be read as follows:
Systolic blood pressure
- 110–129 or below = normal systolic pressure
- 130–139 = prehypertension
- More than 139 = high blood pressure
Diastolic blood pressure:
- 80–89 = normal diastolic blood pressure
- Above 90 = high blood pressure
In reading the results of blood pressure checks, many think that it doesn't matter if only one blood pressure number is normal. In fact, the systolic and diastolic numbers are very important to determine your health condition.
However, with increasing age, systolic blood pressure will increase, while diastolic blood pressure can decrease.
3. Hypertension cannot be prevented
Hypertension can occur due to genetic or hereditary factors. This means, a person can be more at risk of developing hypertension if he has parents or siblings who suffer from hypertension. In addition, hypertension is also more common in the elderly, obese people, or people who rarely exercise.
However, that doesn't mean you can't prevent hypertension. To keep blood pressure stable and reduce the risk of hypertension, you can live a healthy lifestyle, namely by exercising regularly, limiting salt intake, and stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
4. Treatment of hypertension can not cure
Many think that hypertension cannot be cured, so there is no need to undergo treatment. However, this assumption is not true. Although it cannot be cured, it is important for people with high blood pressure to treat hypertension from a doctor.
Treatment steps aim to lower blood pressure and keep it stable, and prevent complications from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
To treat hypertension, doctors can prescribe blood pressure-lowering drugs, and advise patients to lead a healthy lifestyle, including limiting salt or sodium intake.
5. Sea salt Healthier for people with hypertension
Some people with hypertension may replace the consumption of table salt with sea salt, because it is considered more healthy. However, this is actually not so influential.
In fact, chemically, table salt and sea salt have the same sodium content, so both can increase blood pressure if consumed in excess.
How to Lower and Control Hypertension
High blood pressure can be caused by various things, so the treatment also varies. If you have high blood pressure, you should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment and treatment.
To lower and control blood pressure, you can also follow some of these tips:
- Maintain weight by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Reduce consumption of foods high in salt, fat, and sugar
- Manage stress well
- Taking high blood pressure medication that has been prescribed by a doctor
There are still many myths about hypertension circulating in the community. However, it would be better if you find out the facts behind these myths, before believing them outright. To ensure information about myths and facts related to hypertension circulating, you can consult a doctor.
Not only that, you also need to regularly check your health to the doctor to monitor your body's condition, including monitoring blood pressure values. If necessary, you can also buy a sphygmomanometer so you can evaluate your blood pressure regularly at home.