1) Myth. High blood pressure runs in my family. There is nothing I can do. I will get it too.
High blood pressure can run in families. If your parents or close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it, too. However, lifestyle choices have allowed many people with a family history of high blood pressure to avoid it themselves. Lifestyle changes you can make to prevent it include:
- Eat a better diet, which may include reducing salt;
- Enjoy regular physical activity;
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Manage stress;
- Avoid tobacco smoke;
- Understand hot tub safety;
- Heat from hot tubs and saunas cause blood vessels to open up (called vasodilation). Vasodilation also happens during normal activities like a brisk walk. If your doctor has told you to avoid moderate exercise, you should also be careful when considering hot tubs and saunas.
- Comply with medication prescriptions;
- If you drink, limit alcohol.
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