How much do you really know about high blood pressure? Here’s a short ‘TRUE or FALSE’ quiz to find out.

• High blood pressure is a result of your heart beating too fast. True or False?
• High blood pressure is caused by eating too much spicy food. True or False?
• High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ because some people don’t know they have it. True or False?
• High blood pressure makes you cough blood. True or False?
• High blood pressure only affects white people True or False?
• High blood pressure only affects old people. True or False?
• High Blood pressure only affects people who are overweight. True or False?
• Children never suffer from high blood pressure. True or False?
• Only people who have a bad temper suffer from high blood pressure. True or False?
• People who are physically fit don’t suffer from high blood pressure. True or False?
• In South Africa, high blood pressure is responsible for 1 in 2 strokes. True or False?
• In South Africa, high blood pressure is responsible for 2 in 5 heart attacks. True or False?
• In South Africa, 1 in 3 adults live with high blood pressure. True or False?
• Lifestyle changes alone can reverse high blood pressure. True or False?
• Only medication can control high blood pressure. True or False?
• You only need to take high blood pressure medication for a short time. True or False?

Here are the answers:

1. False     2. False       3. True       4. False
5. False     6. False       7. False      8. False
9. False     10. False     11. True    12. True
13. True    14. False     15. False    16. False

So, how did you do?

Are you an expert on high blood pressure or have you realised that what you know may be nothing more than myth? If you are concerned that you may have high blood pressure please make an appointment with your doctor today.

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.

For information please contact:
Dr T Kathawaroo
(Specialist Physician)
MBBCh (Wits), FCP (SA)
Daxina Private Hospital
Tel: +27 (0) 87 087 0644
Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: Any information contained here is merely a guideline. Always visit your healthcare practitioner for any health-related advice or diagnosis.