8 Common Myths About High Blood Pressure

When you have high blood pressure, it’s important to understand the right ways to care for your health. This video covers some common myths that simply aren’t true — and what you should know instead.

Myth #1: “I feel fine, so I don’t have high blood pressure.”
Fact: High blood pressure often has no symptoms at all.
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” — you can feel perfectly healthy and still have dangerously high numbers. The only way to know is to check your blood pressure regularly.

Myth #2: “I’m young, so I don’t have to worry about it.”
Fact: High blood pressure affects people of all ages.
Nearly 1 in 4 adults under 45 already have it. Arteries don’t wait for you to age—so even young people should get checked.

Myth #3: “If I don’t add salt, I’m safe.”
Fact: Most of the salt you eat is hidden in processed foods.
Up to 75% of sodium comes from things like canned soup, lunch meats, and snacks —not your saltshaker. Read labels to understand how much sodium you’re really consuming.

Myth #4: “Only men get high blood pressure.”
Fact: Risk depends on age — and women catch up quickly.
Men are more likely to have high blood pressure before age 50, but after menopause, women’s risk rises. Hormones, birth control, and family history can all play a role.

Myth #5: “I’m on medication, so lifestyle doesn’t matter.”
Fact: Medication helps — but healthy habits still make a difference.
Eating well and staying active are key, even if you take meds. There’s no magic pill — just a smart plan that includes healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management.

Myth #6: “Red wine is heart-healthy, so more is better.”
Fact: Too much alcohol raises your blood pressure.
Moderation is so important, since excess drinking can spike your numbers, cause weight gain, and interfere with some medications.

Myth #7: “My doctor checks my blood pressure, so I don’t need to.”
Fact: Home monitoring helps you stay on top of it.
Checking at home gives you more control and helps catch issues early. Plus, it helps track how well your treatment is working.

Myth #8: “One good number is enough.”
Fact: Both blood pressure numbers matter.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressures show different things — the pressure as the heart beats and the pressure between beats — so both need to be in a healthy range to be considered healthy.

High blood pressure doesn’t have to be a mystery. Know the facts, check your numbers, and take charge of your health — one choice at a time.