5 Blood Pressure Myths That Could Be Affecting Your Health Screening Results

Published on 22 October 2025

Senior man sitting comfortably at home checking his blood pressure with an automated digital blood pressure monitor cuff on his arm, demonstrating home blood pressure monitoring and understanding blood pressure myths and facts

If you’re like most Singaporeans, you’ve probably experienced anxiety when someone mentions “checking your blood pressure.” Perhaps you’ve heard conflicting advice about what’s normal or whether lifestyle changes work. Understanding blood pressure myths and facts is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.

At HOP Singapore, where we conduct thousands of health screenings annually, we’ve identified a clear pattern: many people hold misconceptions about blood pressure that directly impact their screening results and health outcomes.

Why Blood Pressure Myths and Facts Matter for Your Health Screening

Your blood pressure reading is one of the most critical markers in your health screening, yet many people don’t fully understand what it means or how to manage it effectively.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which causes approximately 17.9 million deaths annually worldwide. In Singapore, the Health Promotion Board’s 2022 National Health Survey found that 1 in 4 adults have elevated blood pressure, with many unaware of their condition.

Understanding blood pressure myths and facts helps you take control of this critical health marker. Your blood pressure reading directly influences whether you receive recommendations for lifestyle changes or medication—decisions that affect your health for decades to come.

Myth #1: “A Little High” Isn’t a Problem

The Myth: “If my blood pressure is slightly elevated, it’s not a big deal. I only need to worry if it’s really high.”

The Reality: Even mildly elevated blood pressure carries significant risk over time.

Category	Systolic/Diastolic	What It Means
Normal	<120 / <80	Healthy
Elevated	120-129 / <80	Early warning
Stage 1	130-139 / 80-89	Medication likely
Stage 2	≥140 / ≥90	Medication required

Key Research: A landmark study in The Lancet (2016) involving over 1 million people found that even Stage 1 elevated blood pressure significantly increased risk for heart attack and stroke compared to truly normal readings.

Bottom Line: Address elevated readings early through lifestyle changes before they progress to require medication.

Myth #2: “Only Older People” Need to Worry

The Myth: “High blood pressure is an old person’s problem. I don’t need to worry about it until I’m 50 or 60.”

The Reality: This is a dangerous misconception. Young people absolutely need to monitor blood pressure.

Age and Blood Pressure Trends:

Ages 18-39: 5-10% with elevated BP (2-5% with hypertension)
Ages 40-59: 20-30% with elevated BP (15-25% with hypertension)
Ages 60+: 40-50% with elevated BP (30-40% with hypertension)

Singapore’s corporate workforce is particularly vulnerable. Sedentary office work, high-stress jobs, irregular meal times, and poor sleep contribute to elevated blood pressure in people as young as their late 20s and 30s.

Bottom Line: Young people absolutely need to monitor blood pressure. Understanding these myths about age and risk is essential for preventing decades of cardiovascular damage.

Myth #3: “Once You Start Medication, You’re on It Forever”

The Myth: “If I start blood pressure medication, I’ll have to take it for the rest of my life. I should avoid it as long as possible.”

The Reality: While some people require long-term medication, the reality is more nuanced. For some, lifestyle changes are sufficient.

Medication Outcomes:

Elevated BP only: Usually NO medication required – lifestyle changes can prevent progression
Stage 1 with lifestyle: 30-50% achieve control through diet, exercise, stress management
Stage 1 poorly controlled: Usually medication required + lifestyle changes
Stage 2: Medication is life-saving; lifestyle enhances benefits

The DASH diet combined with regular exercise and sodium reduction can reduce blood pressure by 8-14 mmHg—equivalent to many medications.

Bottom Line: Medication isn’t necessarily “forever,” but when needed, it’s essential. Work with your doctor to determine the right approach for your situation.

Myth #4: “White Coat Syndrome” Means My Real BP Is Fine

The Myth: “My blood pressure is high only at the doctor’s office because I’m nervous. My home readings are fine, so I don’t have hypertension.”

The Reality: While “white coat syndrome” exists, this distinction matters critically. Both office and home readings provide important information.

If your office readings are consistently elevated but home readings are normal, bring home readings to your health screening consultation. Your doctor may recommend home monitoring or periodic office checks to track your true blood pressure patterns.

Bottom Line: Elevated readings at the doctor’s office shouldn’t be ignored, even if home readings are lower. Discuss patterns with your healthcare provider.

Myth #5: “Stress Alone Causes High Blood Pressure”

The Myth: “If I reduce stress, my blood pressure will return to normal without any other changes.”

The Reality: While stress contributes to hypertension, it’s rarely the sole cause. Multiple factors interact.

Blood Pressure Is Influenced By:

Diet – High sodium increases BP; potassium-rich foods help lower it
Exercise – Regular activity significantly reduces BP
Sleep – Poor sleep quality contributes to hypertension
Weight – Excess weight increases BP
Alcohol – Excessive consumption raises BP
Stress – One factor among many

Stress management helps but may not be sufficient without addressing other factors.

Bottom Line: Manage stress, but also focus on diet, exercise, sleep quality, and weight management for comprehensive blood pressure control.

Book Your Health Screening Today

During an executive health screening, blood pressure assessment often reveals previously undiagnosed hypertension in otherwise “healthy-feeling” professionals. This is why understanding these myths prepares you to take appropriate action if your reading is elevated.

Contact HOP Medical Centre

Orchard Location:

Address: 390 Orchard Rd, #11-03/04 Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
Phone: 6589 0009
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-11:30am, 1:30pm-4:30pm | Sat 8:30am-11:30am

Tampines Location:

Address: 1 Tampines Central 5, #07-04/05 CPF Building, Singapore 529508
Phone: 6589 0002
Hours: Mon-Sat (Please call for confirmation)

WhatsApp Support: +65 8831 3515

(24/7 instant assistance available)

Our Screening Services

Express Health Screening (30 minutes) – Starting from $52.32
Executive Health Screening – Comprehensive cardiovascular assessment
Corporate Wellness Programs – Tailored screening for teams
Home-Based Screening – Convenient testing from your location

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All screening packages include post-screening consultation to discuss your individual blood pressure status and management strategies.