When the Pressure Rises: The Truth about Hypertension (Part 2)

In our last article, we looked at various causes of lifestyle risk factors for hypertension. We looked at chronic stress, sedentarism, increased body fat, and poor sleep patterns.  We will now look at several urban myths regarding hypertension and assess the veracity of each of them all.

1. Hypertension is a disease of the elderly.

Due to numerous lifestyle changes that have come with the 21^st century, hypertension is now more common among the younger population. The triggers of this are those that we looked at in our last article [link here]. Even in the presence of a worrying family history, lifestyle still plays a critical role in the development of hypertension. Myth: False!

• If I feel fine, my blood pressure is normal.

Hypertension is not painful. A subset of the population will experience some dizziness, without heaviness in the shoulders or a headache, but for the majority. The condition is purely symptomless. As such, period checking is advised, especially in a proper healthcare setting. Myth: False!

• Salt causes high blood pressure.

Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome went to great lengths to debunk this myth for us during [insert name of program and link]. The body has the capacity to regulate its salt levels without elevating blood pressure. In fact, sugar and other corn-based products are associated with damage to blood vessels and a subsequent elevation in blood pressure. Myth: False!

• Checking Bp too often will cause it to rise.

Now this is the big one. Whilst repeat Bp checks in one setting involving the same arm are associated with a mild increase in blood pressure, frequent checking (up to twice a week) has not been associated with any consistent elevation in blood pressure. This, however, has a caveat, which we will address in the next myth. Myth: False!

• Bp checks in a medical facility tend to be higher than those at home.

There is the concept of white-coat hypertension, which is a consistent elevation in blood pressure when measured in a medical setting compared to a home setting. This is because many people find medical settings stressful, and this will, in turn, lead to the body activating its fight or flight response. This physiologic response is associated with an elevation in blood pressure. (This physiologic response may also lead to an elevation in the blood pressure during repeat testing in the same sitting.) Myth: True!

These are some of the more common myths that tend to be encountered in society. But how do I deal with hypertension? Is there safe treatment? Is there a cure? When can I stop the medication?

We’ll address these in our next article.

Until then, yours in healthcare and service

-Dr T Kamuzonde