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Given the sheer number of people who suffer from high blood pressure it is not surprising to see several myths doing the rounds of the cyber world. It is important to recognize them for what they are and separate them from the facts. Here is a look at some of the classic myths and truths associated with high blood pressure

Myth 1: I don’t have a hyper personality so I will not suffer from high blood pressure

Truth: Anybody can suffer from high blood pressure regardless of his/ her personality type, age, gender, race etc. Children and seniors are as susceptible to it as adults.

Myth 2: People who don’t develop hypertension by the age of 55 will never suffer from it.

Truth: People at every stage of life can develop hypertension. So it is imperative to continue taking measures to prevent its onset.

Myth 3: Blood pressure and Cholesterol levels are equally proportional to each other

Truth: This is not always true, while some individuals may suffer from high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure at the same time but this is not a hard and fast rule.

Myth4: Normal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg

Truth: Not any more; currently, according to the guidelines set by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the normal blood pressure of a healthy person should be below the level of 120/80 because people with blood pressure levels as low as 115/75 are also known to suffer from heart attacks, cardiovascular disorders and strokes.

Myth 5: There are no side effects to the antihypertensive drugs available in the market today.

Truth: There have been some development in the manufacture of new drugs with fewer side effects; however, a drug with no side effects that can control blood pressure still eludes researchers. Some of the drugs do increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and may even cause other side effects like impotency and nausea. While some medications do not affect your chances of developing diabetes they may cause weight gain, some others may even increase the risk of heart disorders.

Myth 6:  A high systolic blood pressure does not have to be a cause for concern but high diastolic pressure should not be ignored.

Truth: Both systolic and diastolic pressures are equally important and a higher than normal reading of even one of them should not be left unchecked. Current research has revealed that it is of paramount importance to treat a higher than normal systolic pressure in older patients while treating a higher than normal diastolic pressure in younger patients is equally crucial.

Myth 7: A healthy diet does not help to control your blood pressure

Truth: Eating a balanced and healthy diet can not only lower your blood pressure but also keep other ailments like diabetes, cancer, stroke and heart attack at bay. A healthy diet is often more potent than drugs.

Myth 8: Developing high blood pressure is a part and parcel of getting old

Truth: There is nothing natural about high blood pressure and if you have lead a healthy lifestyle as a young person there should be no reason for you to develop high blood pressure later in life.

Myth 9: The hypertensive drugs may lead to erectile dysfunction and even impotency and there is nothing you can do about it

Truth: Even though some hypertensive medications do cause sexual dysfunctions, you can always talk to your doctor about it and get your medication changes. There is certainly no reason to live with it because there are several drugs that are being used to control high blood pressure.