Myths About High Blood Pressure Symptoms
Hypertension Warning Signs & Causes That can be Controlled
May 22, 2009
People with high cholesterol may or may not have high blood pressure, according to an article (author unknown) by the American Heart Association (AHA), titled “Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure.” The article is published on the American Heart Association web site, and dated 04/18/2008.
The AHA article advises that high cholesterol is a risk factor for high blood pressure (HBP), but not everyone with high cholesterol has high blood pressure. Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure, but some diabetics have normal blood pressure. High cholesterol and diabetes are not symptoms of HBP.
Hypertension Symptoms
Hypertension (high blood pressure) “...has NO symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the ‘silent killer.’ The only way to know...have your blood pressure checked.” advises the “Common Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure” article. Additional advice states that people who feel “fit and healthy” could still have high blood pressure. AHA says statistics show one out of every three people in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and “...one-third of them don’t know it.”
Many believe that reaching middle age is when people get high blood pressure. This concept is false, according to the AHA article. Other false concepts are:
- During a doctor's office visit blood pressure increases.
- Today, high blood pressure is a fact of life.
- Blood pressure medication can be stopped when blood pressure is within normal limits.
- Hypertension is a man’s disease.
- People with high blood pressure can take any over the counter medication for cold and flu.
The article also advises that some over the counter medications could react with blood pressure medication resulting in serious consequences. Also, decongestants can increase blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure Causes
The fatty substance found in the blood and all body cells (high blood cholesterol) can lead to high blood pressure, according to an article titled, “Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat,” published by The American Cancer Society on their web site. The (author unknown) article is dated 05/20/2009. The article advises, “...cholesterol can build up with other substances in the inner walls of arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow.” Cholesterol buildup is a risk factor for high blood pressure, according to the article.
High Blood Pressure Treatment
In addition to medicine prescribed by a physician to reduce high blood pressure, the AHA article “Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat," lists the important steps people can take to prevent and reduce high blood pressure:
- A diet low in saturated fat (such as the DASH diet or a diabetes diet).
- An exercise plan (such as aerobics, Pilates).
- Maintain a normal weight (Body Mass Index) with diet and exercise to reduce overweight and obesity.
- Avoid tobacco smoke.
- Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar and have regular medical checkups.
“High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, eye damage, congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries), according to “Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat." .
The American Heart Association recommends a healthy life-style which includes diet and exercise to treat and avoid high blood pressure. In addition, AHA recommends regular medical visits as well as strict adherence to taking HBP medications on schedule.
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