High Blood Pressure Symptoms in Women
High Blood pressure, or hypertension is one of the most common health problems associated with women in the United States and around the world. Often known as the “silent killer”, it can be incredibly difficult to determine whether or not a woman has high blood pressure. It does not help that roughly 24% of women admit to not going to a doctor at least once a year.
Unfortunately, other then constant headaches and dizziness, there are no real high blood pressure symptoms in women. The only real way to tell whether or not a woman has high blood pressure is by evaluating the readings from a doctor.
High Blood Pressure Risk Factors for Women
The American Heart Association has listed a few risk factors of high blood pressure in women. They include:
- Severely overweight or obese
- Family History of high blood pressure
- On certain medications, including birth control
- Over the age of 65
There are other risk factors for high blood pressure, but these are the main four that affect women. If you find yourself in any of these categories, you should carefully monitor your blood pressure and ensure you are not at risk for potentially serious health effects if your high blood pressure goes untreated.
However, despite the lack of symptoms for high blood pressure in women, you can limit your risk by doing a few things. Try some of the following things to limit your risk of serious health complications:
- Limit your sodium intake to the recommended daily value. High sodium is the number one cause of high blood pressure.
- Follow a healthier diet and include more fresh fruits and vegetables. Both food groups are proven to help lower blood pressure as well as helping lose weight.
- Start taking blood pressure medication. You can find plenty of over the counter medications that are 100% safe and are very effective in lowering blood pressure. *Speak to a doctor before taking any medication to prevent side effects.*
The most important thing a woman can do is monitor her blood pressure. By simply taking action and being proactive, women can reduce their risk for hypertension and can lower their blood pressure effectively.