According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 45% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure (hypertension). Since it often comes with no noticeable symptoms, many people don’t even realize they have it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 1.13 billion people worldwide live with high blood pressure.
Despite how common hypertension is, there’s still a lot of confusion around it.
First, let’s clarify what blood pressure actually is. As the CDC explains, it’s “the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries.”
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates—rising during physical activity and dropping during rest. But if it stays high for too long, it can lead to serious health problems.
This article will debunk eight common myths about high blood pressure.
Key Takeaways:
1. “High blood pressure isn’t a big deal.”
Actually, it can be very serious. Left untreated, hypertension raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, heart failure, angina, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral artery disease.
Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries, making them less flexible. This reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart, weakening it. It can also harm delicate blood vessels in the brain, increasing the chances of a blockage or rupture.
2. “It runs in my family, so I can’t prevent it.”
Research shows genetics do play a role. A 2017 study tracking three generations found that if grandparents had early-onset hypertension, their grandchildren were at higher risk—even after accounting for parents’ health and lifestyle.
But genes aren’t destiny. Lifestyle choices (like diet and exercise) still matter. A 2018 study of over 277,000 people found that a healthy lifestyle—eating well, limiting alcohol, reducing salt, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight—lowers blood pressure regardless of genetic risk.
The same study also found that healthy habits reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes at any genetic risk level.
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3. “Everyone gets high blood pressure as they age.”
Not true. While it’s more common in older adults, it’s not an inevitable part of aging. Hypertension affects about:
- 7.5% of people aged 18–39
- 33.2% of people aged 40–59
- 63.1% of those over 60
Simple lifestyle changes—like cutting back on salt, exercising, quitting smoking, and eating well—can significantly lower your risk.
4. “I’d feel symptoms if I had high blood pressure.”
Nope. The only way to know is by checking your blood pressure. About 75 million Americans have hypertension, and roughly 11 million don’t even realize it. That’s why experts call it the “silent killer.”
5. “I don’t add salt to my food, so I’m fine.”
The WHO recommends less than 5 grams of salt per day to maintain healthy blood pressure. Cutting global salt intake to this level could prevent 2.5 million deaths yearly.
But avoiding table salt isn’t enough. Many processed foods are loaded with sodium. The CDC notes that 40% of our daily sodium comes from:
- Bread
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- Deli meats
- Soups
- Burritos & tacos
- Snacks (chips, popcorn, pretzels, crackers)
- Chicken (processed or seasoned)
- Cheese
- Eggs (especially in prepared foods)
Ultraprocessed foods (like sodas, candy, packaged meals, and sweet cereals) are especially high in salt and have been linked to higher cancer risks. Also, sea salt and kosher salt are chemically identical to table salt—no healthier.
6. “If my meds work, I can stop taking them.”
For most people, hypertension is a lifelong condition. Even if your blood pressure normalizes, stopping medication without a doctor’s approval can be risky. The American Heart Association (AHA) states:
“Expect to manage high blood pressure for life. Doctors may adjust dosages after long-term control, but treatment is rarely stopped completely. Lifelong management is key for lasting results.”
7. “Hypertension can be cured.”
There’s no cure, but it can be managed effectively through:
- Drinking less alcohol
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Taking prescribed medication
8. “Only men get high blood pressure.”
While men are at higher risk before age 45, the odds even out between 45–64. After 64, women actually have a greater risk than men.
Final Thoughts
High blood pressure is both serious and widespread. Though it’s often a lifelong condition, there are plenty of ways to control it and minimize health risks. By clearing up these myths, we can tackle hypertension head-on and reduce its impact on society.