Hypertension and Women

Approximately seventy-two million Americans have some form of hypertension - and nearly half of them are women. Women may be particularly at risk for developing hypertension. Risk factors include:

Birth control pills. For some women, taking the Pill can affect your blood pressure. Things can get even more complicated if you have other risk factors such as obesity, family history of hypertension, or smoking habit. Ask your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure before you start taking birth control pills, and check your blood pressure at least every six months while you are taking the pill.
Pregnancy. Hypertension can develop rapidly over the last three months of pregnancy. Untreated, hypertension during pregnancy may be dangerous to both mother and baby. Fortunately, this often leaves after the baby is born.
Menopause. As age increases, the possibility of a woman developing hypertension  also increases. After menopause, a woman's chance of developing hypertension increases considerably. Unfortunately, this is a risk factor you can not change.
Weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for women and men. Weight loss and be more physically active is a great way to keep your heart (and the rest of his body) in the best possible health.
Race. African American women (and men) are more susceptible to hypertension than other races. The disease may be more serious, too.
Family history. If your parents or other close blood relatives have hypertension, you better watch your own. And if you have hypertension, your children may develop it.

There is no cure for hypertension. It is controllable with medications and lifestyle changes like losing weight, and reduced salt, and quitting smoking. But the alternative - a higher risk of serious heart attack, stroke, and other major problems - is far worse.Control Hypertension

Posted in: Women health