Hypertension In Women
Until a few years ago it was more common in men, but high blood pressure in women has increased considerably in recent years. It should be noted that the figures are important: around one billion people suffer from high blood pressure worldwide.
A widespread silent pathology
This disease has been considered the “silent killer”. It is given this name, because it does not usually have symptoms.
If it is not treated properly, it increases the chances of suffering damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, brain and also eyes.
The risk of suffering from high blood pressure in women increases with age. Around 40% of people over 65 have high blood pressure figures.
Blood pressure is the force with which the heart pushes blood against the walls of the arteries. When it is high, it means that the heart works harder to pump blood, which damages the walls of the arteries. Pressure is measured by two numbers:
- The normal mean has always been considered 120/80 mmHg. The first number indicates the systolic pressure, which is when the heart beats.
- The second is diastolic, when the heart fills with blood. When a constant pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg is maintained, it is considered hypertension.
Most common causes
In women of childbearing age, one of the causes of hypertension is the contraceptive pill. When this happens, the woman must choose other methods to prevent pregnancy. Once you stop taking the pill, your blood pressure levels return to normal.
In the period of menopause, blood pressure in women increases. This is due to the hormonal changes and the decrease in estrogens that occur at this stage. As age increases, hypertension is more common in women than in men of the same age range.
One of the most serious forms of high blood pressure in women is that which occurs during pregnancy. High blood pressure in this period can have serious consequences such as seizures (eclampsia) and problems in the development of the baby.
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and stress are also among the causes of high blood pressure in women. Another factor that increases the risk of high blood pressure in women is the presence of polycystic ovaries.
Why pay attention to high blood pressure in women?
Until very recently it seemed that cardiovascular disease was exclusively a man’s thing. But reality shows otherwise. Now cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of female death.
One in 200 women dies from breast cancer, but one in three dies from cardiovascular causes. Hence the importance of keeping an eye on blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. However, you must be aware of any signs that may indicate their presence. Measuring pressure as a regular practice will be the best way to notice any changes.
Prevention and treatment
The visit to the cardiologist should be as important for the woman as is the consultation with her gynecologist. Women with high blood pressure have much more brain hemorrhage than men, and with more serious consequences.
Women, as men have been insisted so far, must pay attention to pressure. It is important to check the family history; if there is hypertension in the family it is necessary to prevent. Monitoring cholesterol levels is also important to avoid high blood pressure in women.
The treatment of hypertension goes through the administration of specialized medications and in very controlled doses. In addition to this, a change in diet and the implementation of exercise routines is important.
Keeping your pressure at normal levels will greatly help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
