6 RiversideHealthcare.org 4 myths debunked There’s a lot of misinformation about high blood pressure— and that’s potentially dangerous. When blood pressure stays high, it raises your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other serious health problems. “It is important to get the facts about high blood pressure straight,” says Riverside family medicine provider Niby Mathew, MD. “The effects of high blood pressure can be serious, but it can be monitored and managed with regular health screenings.” So don’t be fooled by the following four myths about high blood pressure: MYTH: Since high blood pressure runs in my family, I’m going to get it too. FACT: If your parent or a close relative has high blood pressure, you are at higher risk of getting it too. But that’s hardly a given. Healthy habits help many people with a family history of high blood pressure avoid it themselves. Here are key ones: ● If you smoke, stop lighting up. ● Eat a heart-healthy, low-salt diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. ● Trim down if you’re overweight. ● Get regular exercise, and do your best to manage stress. MYTH: My doctor checks my blood pressure, so I don’t need to check it at home. FACT: Blood pressure can fluctuate. Home monitoring, if your doctor advises it, may help your doctor determine if you really have high blood pressure or if your treatment plan is working. Stay on top of your health Make an appointment with your Riverside Medical Group primary care provider for your annual wellness exam to keep track of your health with screenings. Need a provider? Visit RiversideHealthcare.org/ providers and schedule today. MYTH: If I had high blood pressure, I’d know it. FACT: About 116 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and many don’t realize it. In fact, it’s sometimes called the silent killer because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms. You can have high blood pressure and feel fine, even though it may be damaging your arteries, heart, kidneys and other organs. That’s why you need to get your blood pressure checked regularly. 1 3 4 2 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MYTH: Though I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s down now, and I can stop my medicine. FACT: High blood pressure can be a lifelong disease. And controlling it may mean taking medicine every day for the rest of your life. To protect your health, never stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. “If you have questions about high blood pressure, the best person to ask is your primary care provider,” says Dr. Mathew. “We can help to guide you with the correct information.” Niby Mathew, MD, Riverside Healthcare Frankfort Campus
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