Keep calm, keep calm: today is World Hypertension Day.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than a billion people aged 30 to 79 worldwide live with hypertension. However, approximately half of those with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition.
NeMoscow decided to debunk common myths about hypertension:
1. Can hypertension be cured?
In fact, hypertension cannot be cured, only managed and corrected. It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment. Maintaining normal blood pressure requires lifestyle changes and regular medication.
2. Is stress the main cause of high blood pressure?
Although stress can temporarily increase blood pressure, it is not the primary cause of hypertension. The most significant risk factors are heredity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excess weight.
3. Does hypertension only occur in older people?
The risk of developing hypertension does increase with age, but it can occur in people of any age, including children and young adults.
4. Does high blood pressure always manifest itself as poor health?
Hypertension is often asymptomatic, so many people are unaware they have it. This is why it's called the "silent killer." Regular blood pressure monitoring is the only way to detect the problem early and begin treatment.
5. Does hypertension only affect the heart?
Hypertension can also damage other organs and systems in the body. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the body, leading to stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and cognitive decline, among other problems.
6. Should people with hypertension replace table salt with sea salt and other low-sodium foods?
There's a popular myth that consuming sea, pink, or rock salt reduces the risk of high blood pressure due to their supposedly low sodium content. However, the amount of sodium in these foods is sufficient to impact blood pressure when consumed in excess. The key is to limit or reduce salt intake in any form. However, attempts to eliminate salt intake are no less harmful.
7. Do women rarely suffer from hypertension?
The myth that women rarely suffer from hypertension leads to late detection of the disease and a higher rate of complications in women. In fact, women make up approximately half of adults with hypertension. Although the disease itself is not gender-specific, women at different stages of life—during pregnancy, while taking birth control pills, and during menopause—have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
8. Can hypotension develop into hypertension?
Hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure) are distinct conditions with different causes and mechanisms. Although some people may experience fluctuations in blood pressure, hypotension does not lead to hypertension. However, older adults with hypertension may occasionally experience episodic hypotension, especially in the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes or heart failure.
9. Is it forbidden to fly on an airplane if you have high blood pressure?
People with controlled hypertension can safely fly. However, if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, it's best to consult a doctor before flying. And, of course, take your medications as directed, avoid dehydration, and limit alcohol and caffeine consumption during the flight.
