Causes of High Blood Pressure in Women

High blood pressure doesn't pinpoint a certain group of people; anyone can get it. Generally, several things come into play, so it's sometimes hard to find an exact cause. After menopause and around age 55, it seems women have a much higher risk of developing the disease. During this time, estrogen in the body is declining and thought to be a major factor in causing high blood pressure. It's also shown that race and where you live can play a role. African Americans seem to be affected by heart disease earlier and suffer worse symptoms than Caucasians. Statistics have also shown that African Americans living in the Southeast have more cases of high blood pressure than those living in other locations of the country. People living in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgina have higher rates of strokes than anywhere else. These are known as "Stroke Belt States." Women who are overweight, smoke, eat lots of salt, pregnant, have high cholesterol, use oral contraceptives and use alcohol excessively are at a higher risk. Heredity also plays a role.

Most women don't realize there's a problem until it's too late. Most of the time, there are no symptoms at all. Only when medical attention is required does the problem generally make itself known. Some women have complained of having blurred vision, dizziness, headaches and lack of sexual desire. When any of these conditions occurs on a regular basis, women should have their blood pressure checked. Many pharmacies now have self-help blood pressure equipment available for use. You can also purchase an easy-to-read monitor yourself to keep track of it.

If you are required to monitor your blood pressure, it's a good idea to know what the numbers mean. The blood pressure monitor is basically measuring the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart beats and rests. Systolic pressure measures when your heart is beating and is the higher pressure. This is the top number of your reading. Diastolic pressure is just the opposite. It's measuring the pressure as your heart rests. This is the lower number. When you are upset, excited or filled with anxiety, it's natural for your blood pressure to rise. As soon as you regain your calm, the pressure will immediately lower back to normal. Sometimes a doctor will take several readings to get a true figure, since blood pressure can fluctuate due to various conditions. A blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 is considered in the normal range. A reading between 120-139/80-89 will generally call for non-drug treatment, such a changes in your lifestyle. A reading of 140/90 or higher will generally be treated with medication, as well as lifestyle changes.

Unless your blood pressure is really high, changes in your lifestyle will generally be the first course of action. Many times this alone will bring your pressure back to normal. Women's lives are busier today than ever, so many times their diets don't get the attention they deserve. If you're overweight, your risk goes up. By changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, fiber, legumes and lean meats, you'll not only lose weight, you'll be helping to lower your blood pressure. You should also limit your amount of salt to 4 to 6 g per day. Lack of exercise is another cause. Even walking 30 minutes every day will help your heart and body. Women who drink excessive amounts of alcohol or smoke should try to stop.

If there's one good thing about high blood pressure, it's that it can be treated. It's amazing so many women die from it, given that treatment is so easy. If diet and lifestyle changes don't seem to lower your blood pressure, medication will generally be prescribed. These medications can be used with a combination of other medications to treat other symptoms causing the disease. The most common medications used are diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and alpha-beta blockers. Once a doctor has prescribed medication for you, it's important that you follow instructions. Stopping the medication without consulting your doctor can be life-threatening. Your blood pressure can suddenly rise to very high levels if medication is suddenly stopped. Make sure you understand the plan of treatment the doctor has set up. If you have questions about this or your medications, ask--don't stop the treatment. Stopping the treatment puts your health and life at risk.