The two leading causes of death in the world – heart attacks and strokes – are associated with high blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, more than 1.28 billion people worldwide experienced hypertension problems.

Myth: Stress causes hypertension

However, not all stress is harmful to the cardiovascular system. Short-term experiences can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure and the release of cortisol, but after some time the pressure returns to normal. These episodes of stress are not factors in the development of hypertension.

However, constant stress due to work or family problems can become harmful to the body as a whole, including the cardiovascular system. Constant nervous tension is accompanied by the constant release of stress hormones, accelerated heart rate and increased pressure in blood vessels.

In case of prolonged exposure to these factors, the heart works hard, maintaining high blood pressure. Therefore, many cardiologists consider chronic stress as one of the risks of developing hypertension.

Myth: Hypertension can go untreated

Studies on people with hypertension show that it will not go away on its own, and the pressure will only increase.

Blood pressure levels gradually increase with age, starting at age 30, and in the initial periods this may go unnoticed. High blood pressure has a harmful effect on blood vessels and the heart, which can lead to complications. By the age of 40-60, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases and central nervous system diseases often develop due to high blood pressure.

To prevent missed increases in blood pressure, it is recommended to measure it at least once a year after 40 years of age, or twice a year if there are additional risk factors:

• presence of hypertension in relatives under 40 years of age;
• obesity;
• passive lifestyle;
• blood pressure above 120 mm Hg.

When blood pressure is above 120 mm Hg. It is recommended to take measurements every day for a week at the same time. If your blood pressure levels are regularly elevated, you should consult your doctor, as changes in lifestyle and diet are often sufficient.

However, if the pressure constantly remains at 140/90 mm Hg. or higher, medications are often prescribed to lower it.

Myth: Taking multiple medications for hypertension at once is harmful to the liver

At first glance, such a conclusion seems logical, but in reality the situation is different. Surprisingly, in most cases, taking multiple blood pressure medications is usually safer than taking just one.

All medications, including those aimed at lowering blood pressure, have side effects. The lower the dosage of the drug, the weaker these effects. However, in low dosages the drug may not be effective enough to reduce blood pressure. In this regard, doctors have to either increase the dose or prescribe two or three drugs from different groups in a lower dosage.

Scientific research shows that the combined use of several drugs is much more effective than the use of a single drug, and at the same time it is accompanied by fewer side effects. However, the selection of the optimal set of drugs should be carried out by an experienced cardiologist, since not all drugs are compatible with each other.

Myth: One blood pressure medication can be replaced by another, even if they have different active ingredients

Medicines that achieve the same result, but have different effects on the body, are called analogues. With the help of various active substances you can influence different systems of the body.

There are five main groups of medications for hypertension: calcium channel blockers, diuretics, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Various approaches can be used to reduce pressure.

For example, calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering muscle cells, which reduces the contractility of the heart and dilates the arteries.

Another approach is to use diuretics (diuretics), which stimulate the kidneys to excrete excess salt in the urine.

The choice of a specific drug depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and its tolerability. If you change your medication yourself, there is a risk that the new drug will not only fail to normalize your blood pressure, but may also be harmful to your health.