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High Blood Pressure Causes in Women
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Blood pressure is the force of blood on the arterial walls. It is measured in
two numbers; the systolic (which is the measurement of the force with which blood is pushed into
the body when the heart pumps) and the diastolic (which is the pressure when the heart rests
between beats). A normal level of blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mm Hg. Typically blood
pressure rises when a person is excited or nervous. However, this is usually a temporary condition.
However, when a person’s blood pressure remains higher than 140/90 for extended period, then he is
suffering from high blood pressure. Hypertension is not only a disease of men but also of
women. It is estimated that about 73 million adults are affected by hypertension, out of which
half are women. It is usually related to the cycles and changes in the female reproductive
system. Use of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can lead to high blood
pressure. Women also get high blood pressure during the third trimester of pregnancy which
is dangerous both for the mother and the baby. This type of hypertension usually disappears after
delivery.
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Another cause of high blood pressure in women is
menopause
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Another cause of high blood pressure in women is menopause. This is because
uterus produces chemical that regulate blood pressure. Once a woman starts menopause or has a
hysterectomy, her chances of getting hypertension increase considerably because these conditions
make her uterus underactive. Another cause of high blood pressure, which women share with men, is obesity. It
has been observed that African Americans who lead inactive lives and have excessive weight have a
higher chance of developing seriously high blood pressure than Caucasian women. Besides these reasons, certain diseases can also cause high blood pressure in
women for instance, diabetes, thyroid disease and chronic kidney disease. Asthma medications in the
corticosteroid category can also increase blood pressure. Smoking or using stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine can also lead
to hypertension. Genetic factor can also make a woman hypertensive. Fortunately, hypertension is a disease that can be managed with low-sodium diet
and exercise. Furthermore, high blood pressure drugs are also very effective in keeping blood
pressure under control. Smoking and excessive drinking are unhealthy habits and should be
discontinued if a woman has been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
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