1in3people

Debunking common myths of high blood pressure

Even though it affects 1 in 3 adults in the US, what most people think they know about high blood pressure isn’t quite right. Take this short true/false quiz to test your knowledge of ten common high blood pressure myths, because what you don’t know about hypertension can hurt you. But what you do know can help you.

True False

1High blood pressure gives people headaches and insomnia.False: High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and in most cases the cause is unknown. 2One blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher means you have hypertension.False: Your blood pressure naturally rises and falls throughout the day depending on what you’ve recently done, how you’re feeling, or what you’ve ingested. In order to diagnose you with the condition, your doctor will take a series of readings to track your blood pressure over time. 3One blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower means you don’t have hypertension.False: See Question #2. One high blood pressure reading doesn’t mean you have hypertension — and one normal reading doesn’t mean you don’t. That’s why it’s so important you have your numbers tracked over a period of time by your doctor. 4Stress and anxiety cause hypertension.False: While stressful situations can temporarily elevate your blood pressure, there’s no scientific proof that says stress leads to hypertension. 5Medication will cure high blood pressure.False: There’s no cure for high blood pressure. But it can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication if your doctor decides it’s necessary. 6If you feel fine, you don’t have high blood pressure.False: Since high blood pressure is typically asymptomatic, or has no symptoms, how you feel isn’t an indicator of the condition. Only your doctor can diagnose you after checking your blood pressure numbers. 7High blood pressure only affects people who are middle-aged.False: Your chances of getting high blood pressure increase as you get older, since blood vessels tend to weaken with age. But the condition can affect people of all ages. That’s why it’s important to have your numbers checked on a regular basis. Luckily, doctors and health care professionals check your blood pressure at the start of most appointments. 8Men are more likely to get hypertension than women.False: Women are just as likely as men to develop high blood pressure. However, the condition affects more men than women under 45 years old, and more women than men over 65 years old. 9Your cholesterol levels are the only numbers that affect your heart health.False: High blood pressure is also very important. High blood pressure and cholesterol buildup damage your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. 10Diabetes, obesity, and other conditions don't affect your high blood pressure.False: Certain other health conditions you have can increase your risk of getting high blood pressure. Hypertension can also make some conditions more complicated. View all results