It only happens to older people.

Age increases the risk, but high blood pressure also affects young people. Factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress contribute to the increasing number of young people with the condition. Regular blood pressure monitoring can detect abnormalities early.

High blood pressure has early symptoms.

Hypertension is often considered a "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms. Many people with high blood pressure still feel healthy, but their arteries and other organs are silently damaged. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked and have regular health checkups.

Hypertension is only caused by a high-salt diet.

Reducing salt in the diet is beneficial for people with the condition. However, many processed and pre-packaged foods contain high levels of sodium. Bread, pizza, and canned soups also contribute significantly to daily sodium intake. You should make a habit of checking food labels and try to limit your sodium intake.

When blood pressure returns to normal, you can stop taking medication.

Hypertension is a chronic disease that needs to be continuously controlled. Stopping medication without a doctor's advice can lead to a return of high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. Patients should consult their doctor before changing their treatment plan.

High blood pressure only harms the heart.

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease, but it also damages other organs. If left uncontrolled, this condition can lead to kidney disease, vision loss, and cognitive decline.

Drinking coffee significantly increases blood pressure.

Moderate coffee consumption usually does not cause a significant increase in blood pressure in most people. However, drinking too much, especially energy drinks or soft drinks, can have an impact. Moderate consumption of caffeinated beverages is important. Each person should maintain a consumption of no more than 4 cups of coffee per day.

There's no way to control hereditary hypertension.

If your parents or relatives have high blood pressure, your risk of developing the condition is higher. However, lifestyle can also significantly influence the onset of the disease. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and eating a balanced diet contribute to preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.

Essential hypertension can be cured.

Essential hypertension (a condition with no identifiable cause) cannot be cured. Patients can manage it well with medication and healthy lifestyle changes. In some cases of secondary hypertension (with a clear cause), successful treatment of the cause can return blood pressure to normal.

Le Nguyen (According to Hindustan Times)