Top 5 Myths about High Blood Pressure
We have heard it all before, "high blood pressure causes heart disease." The guidelines and treatments for high blood pressure (BP) have become so ingrained and commonplace that we take it for granted that it is being treated properly. But, like most health issues today, what we know about blood pressure has changed leaving many cases undiagnosed or under-treated. Here are several facts and myths about blood pressure and its treatment that conscientious health consumers should know.
Myth #1: Normal blood pressure is anything below 140/90 mmHg
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The most recent National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines set systolic BP of less than 120mmHg and diastolic BP of less than 80mmHg (i.e. less than 120/80) as normal. This is significantly different than the old standard of 140/90 your doctor may still be using.
