Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic disease often called the "silent killer” because, if untreated, it can gradually damage many vital organs. It affects both men and women worldwide, but after menopause, women are more likely to develop hypertension than men. A blood pressure reading above 140/90 mmHg is considered high.
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Estrogen provides protection against hypertension and heart problems in women. However, after menopause, when estrogen levels decline, the risk of developing hypertension increases.
Other factors also contribute to high blood pressure in women. The use of hormonal birth control pills can affect blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Hypertension that develops during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, may persist after delivery and become chronic hypertension. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis also have a higher risk of developing hypertension.
As in men, alcohol use, smoking, stress, and genetic factors contribute to the risk.
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Often, hypertension has no symptoms. However, when blood pressure remains high for a long time or rises rapidly, women may experience symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, unexplained fatigue, or swelling of the legs.
Untreated high blood pressure puts strain on the heart and may eventually lead to heart failure. It also increases the risk of stroke due to rupture of blood vessels in the brain. Long-standing hypertension can damage the eyes, kidneys, and peripheral blood vessels. It is among the common causes of sudden blindness. Nerves can also be damaged because of reduced blood supply caused by hypertension.
Considering these complications, it is important for women to be aware of hypertension and take preventive measures. Women often neglect their own health, but high blood pressure should not be ignored.
Reducing salt intake is the first step in preventing hypertension. The diet should be rich in antioxidants, including fruits such as bananas, oranges, and berries, along with green leafy vegetables, carrots, and fish. Excess fats should be avoided. Those who are overweight should aim to reduce excess weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Underweight women should gradually gain weight until their body mass index (BMI) reaches the normal range, as being underweight, along with increasing age and hypertension, can also increase the risk of heart problems. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be stopped. Adequate physical and mental relaxation is also important.
Blood pressure measurement is simple, and women should not hesitate to have it checked every few months if it is normal. If elevated, it should be monitored regularly until it returns to normal. During pregnancy, blood pressure should be checked routinely, as uncontrolled hypertension can harm both the mother and the unborn baby.
Mild or occasional increases in blood pressure may improve with lifestyle changes. However, consistently high blood pressure requires medication, even in the absence of symptoms. Medicines are also needed if complications or target organ damage develop. Treatment should always be started on the advice of a health professional, and prescribed antihypertensive medicines should be taken regularly. After starting treatment, blood pressure should be monitored to adjust the dose when necessary.
Women should remain vigilant about hypertension, as from middle age onwards they are more prone than men to develop it. They are also more vulnerable to complications such as stroke and heart failure, which may occur faster and in a more severe form.
The writer is a specialist in internal medicine.