High Blood Pressure Myth Busters

• Myth: Once you start blood pressure medication, I can never stop taking the medication.
• TRUE and FALSE
• High blood pressure is often a lifelong condition, but it can also be a consequence of lifestyle habits and in some cases, can be reversible. Whether your blood pressure is permanent or due to lifestyle, you should never stop taking your medication without working closely with your doctor, even if your blood pressure is very well controlled. Don't forget, your blood pressure is most likely well controlled because you are taking your medication every day.

• Myth: I have a strong family history of high blood pressure, so I can't prevent developing it myself.
• FALSE
• High blood pressure can run in families. If your parents or siblings have had high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it, too. However, lifestyle choices have allowed many people with a family history of high blood pressure to avoid it themselves. See the Lifestyle Interventions section below.

• Myth: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, but I have been maintaining lower readings, so I can stop taking my medication.
• FALSE
• High blood pressure can be a lifelong disease. Follow your healthcare professional’s recommendations carefully, even if it means taking medication every day for the rest of your life.
• By partnering with your doctor, you can successfully reach your treatment goals and enjoy the benefits of better health and avoid the consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure.

• Myth: I have high blood pressure and it is always normal when I go to my doctor's office, so I don't have to check it at home.
• FALSE
• Blood pressure can fluctuate frequently, making home monitoring and keeping a blood pressure log invaluable. 
• You should take your blood pressure at the same time of day, either morning or evening, and record it in your log. Take your blood pressure log to your appointments. This is can help your doctor determine if your treatment is working or if you need to adjust your medication(s) and lifestyle habits.

• Myth: Red wine is good for my heart, so I can drink as much as I want.
• FALSE
• If you enjoy drinking red wine or any other alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Generally, women should limit their intake to one drink a day and men to 2 drinks a day.
• One drink is considered to be the equivalent of:
• a 12-oz beer
• a 4-oz glass of wine
• 1.5-oz of 80-proof liquor
• 1-oz of 100-proof hard liquor.
• Heavy and regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure significantly.
• Excessive alcohol can contribute to high cholesterol, particularly triglycerides, pancreatitis, cancer, obesity, alcoholism, suicide and accidents.

• Myth: I feel fine. I don't have any symptoms of high blood pressure, so I don't have to worry about my blood pressure.
• FALSE
• Many people have high blood pressure for years without realizing it, thus earning it the nickname "the silent killer".
• Untreated high blood pressure is the leading cause for strokes and TIAs (transient ischemic attacks or mini strokes) and can lead to other serious health problems including:
• Heart disease and heart attack
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart arrhythmias, including Atrial Fibrillation
• Kidney disease
• Aneurysms
• Aortic dissection
• Dementia and mild cognitive impairment
• Erectile dysfunction
• Nerve damage
• Eye damage and vision loss

• Myth: I use kosher or sea salt instead of table salt, so I'm in control of my sodium intake.
• FALSE
• Chemically, kosher and sea salt are the same as table salt (40% sodium) and are considered in the allowed total number of milligrams of salt intake per day.
• Increased salt (sodium) in the diet can increase blood pressure in some people.
• Much of the salt we eat is hidden in processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods and prepared mixes. Read labels and look for words such as "soda" and "sodium" and the symbol "Na".
• Sodium intake:
• Your body needs 500 milligrams daily to function properly.
• The average American consumes 5000 milligrams daily.
• The 85 million people in the US with high blood pressure who are sensitive to sodium should consume less than 1500 milligrams daily.
• Check your blood pressure before and within 30 minutes after drinking a caffeinated beverage. If your blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg, you may be sensitive to caffeine.

• Lifestyle Interventions
• Start by decreasing your weight by 5% and continue to work toward an ideal weight.
• Decrease waistline to less than 40 for men and less than 35 for women.
• Commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
• This can be achieved once a day or split into shorter sessions throughout the day.
• Best exercises include brisk walks, jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing.
• Following a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol can significantly lower your blood pressure. This is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
• Minimize alcohol intake as discussed above.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage your stress.
• Determine if you are sensitive to caffeine and avoid it if it raises your blood pressure.
• Check your blood pressure before and within 30 minutes after drinking a caffeinated beverage. If your blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg, you may be sensitive to caffeine.
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