As vein doctors, we truly understand the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. After all, it’s your blood pressure that exerts the force on your veins which causes spider and varicose veins to form. That being said, here are are some common misconceptions aboutblood pressure that we’d like to address.

Myth #1: High blood pressure is not that serious.
This is entirely untrue. In fact, allowing high blood pressure to go untreated for an extended period of time can lead to extreme complications, and in some situations even death. When your blood pressure is too high, it throws off the natural rhythm of your circulatory system. This causes blood vessels and organs to become damaged, and increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Myth #2: High blood pressure is genetic and unavoidable.
While it’s true that some people are more prone to high blood pressure issues than others, there are certainly some steps you can take to reduce that risk. Keeping your weight down, eating healthy, limiting salt intake and refraining from alcohol and tobacco are a good start!

Myth #3: My blood pressure is fine as long as one number is normal.
Your blood pressure is read with two different numbers, one “over” the other. The first number is called the systolic number which measures the force that blood is exerting. The second is the diastolic number which measures this same force while your heart is resting. These two are both very important and a change in either can indicate serious health risks.

Many people also worry that treating high blood pressure is difficult or ineffective, but this is not true at all. Keeping yourself active and healthy, and having your blood pressure checked regularly can work wonders to keep your cardiovascular system functioning properly.