Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the growing prevalence of hypertension in China, particularly among younger populations, and highlights the importance of understanding and managing this chronic condition effectively [1]. Group 1: Misconceptions about Hypertension - Misconception 1: Patients without symptoms do not need medication; early-stage hypertension often lacks symptoms, but treatment is crucial to prevent organ damage [3]. - Misconception 2: Normal blood pressure allows for stopping medication; hypertension is chronic and requires ongoing treatment to avoid rebound effects [5]. - Misconception 3: Antihypertensive medications are addictive; these medications are non-addictive and should not be stopped arbitrarily once hypertension is diagnosed [6]. - Misconception 4: Rapidly lowering high blood pressure is safe; blood pressure should be lowered gradually to avoid complications [9]. - Misconception 5: A single high reading indicates hypertension; multiple measurements over time are necessary for an accurate diagnosis [11]. - Misconception 6: Frequent changes in medication are beneficial; once a stable medication regimen is established, it should be maintained [12]. - Misconception 7: Following others' medication experiences is safe; individual treatment plans should be based on professional medical advice [14]. - Misconception 8: Health supplements can effectively lower blood pressure; their efficacy is not scientifically validated [10]. - Misconception 9: Intravenous treatment is necessary for hypertension; most cases require oral medication instead [10]. - Misconception 10: Lower blood pressure is always better; excessively low blood pressure can lead to inadequate organ perfusion [16]. - Misconception 11: Regular hospital check-ups are unnecessary; ongoing monitoring is essential to assess treatment effects and potential side effects [17]. Group 2: Lifestyle Recommendations - Reducing sodium intake is crucial; a decrease of 1g in daily salt intake can lower blood pressure by approximately 1.2mmHg [18]. - Maintaining a healthy diet is important; a balanced diet rich in potassium and dietary fiber can help manage hypertension [19]. - Regular exercise is beneficial; moderate-intensity exercise can reduce blood pressure by 5-7mmHg [20]. - Avoiding smoking and alcohol is recommended; these habits increase cardiovascular disease risk [22]. - Maintaining psychological balance is essential; managing stress and anxiety can help control blood pressure [23]. - Ensuring adequate sleep is important; adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support blood pressure management [24]. - Changing habits takes time; gradual adoption of healthy lifestyle choices is encouraged [26].

Misconceptions about Hypertension Treatment - Misconception 1: No symptoms means no medication is needed. Early-stage hypertension often shows no symptoms, but untreated high blood pressure can severely damage organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys, necessitating active intervention once diagnosed [1] - Misconception 2: Normal blood pressure allows for stopping medication. Hypertension is a chronic condition requiring long-term medication to control blood pressure, as stopping can lead to rebound hypertension and increased risk of complications like myocardial infarction and stroke [3] - Misconception 3: Antihypertensive drugs are addictive. Antihypertensive medications are non-addictive, and while they may be temporarily stopped in cases of stress-induced hypertension, diagnosed patients must adhere to their medication regimen to prevent blood pressure from rising again [4] - Misconception 4: Initial treatment should not use "good drugs." Long-acting antihypertensive medications are preferred for stable blood pressure control, while short-acting drugs are reserved for acute situations [6] - Misconception 5: High blood pressure should be rapidly normalized. Blood pressure should be lowered gradually to avoid complications like cerebral hypoperfusion, with a focus on a slow, steady, and moderate reduction [7] - Misconception 6: Single blood pressure measurement is sufficient for diagnosis. A proper diagnosis of hypertension requires multiple measurements over different days, as occasional high readings can be due to anxiety [9] - Misconception 7: Frequent changes in medication are beneficial. Finding the right antihypertensive medication can take time, and once stable, patients should continue with their regimen unless adverse effects occur [10] - Misconception 8: Self-medicating based on others' experiences is safe. Hypertension has various causes and individual responses to treatment can differ, making it essential to follow a doctor's guidance for medication [12] - Misconception 9: Health supplements can effectively lower blood pressure. Many believe in the efficacy of health supplements for blood pressure control, but these claims lack scientific validation and can delay proper treatment [13] - Misconception 10: Intravenous treatment is necessary for hypertension. Most cases of hypertension should be managed with oral medications, reserving intravenous treatment for acute hypertensive crises [14] - Misconception 11: Lower blood pressure is always better. Extremely low blood pressure can compromise organ perfusion, leading to serious conditions like cerebral thrombosis [16] - Misconception 12: Regular check-ups are unnecessary. Patients should have periodic evaluations to monitor for adverse drug reactions and assess the impact on target organs, even if blood pressure appears stable [17]