High Blood Pressure in Women: A Hidden Risk
Why early detection of hypertension matters for women
Why early detection of hypertension matters for women
An estimated 44% of women in the United States have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Yet, only one in four has their blood pressure under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why do so few have it under control? It’s likely that some women who have high blood pressure don’t know they have it. The disease often has no symptoms, and when symptoms do present, they can appear similar to many other conditions.
High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, so it’s critical that it’s detected and treated early, explains Shavith Samson, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Vista.
For women at risk of developing high blood pressure, prevention is key. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term issues, including damage to blood vessels, kidneys, heart and brain and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease.
“Hypertension is the number one leading factor of cardiovascular disease and premature death in women globally,” Dr. Samsom says. “Women also tend to develop cardiovascular disease at lower blood pressure thresholds than men, which is why it’s even more important to recognize and treat it early on.”
Why high blood pressure is often missed
Dr. Samson says high blood pressure is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because it can go undetected for years — even decades. Subtle symptoms, like headaches, anxiety and hot flashes, are often attributed to stress or hormonal changes.
It’s important that women know their blood pressure numbers and risk factors.
Why blood pressure screening matters
Hypertension screenings are a priority at Scripps. Physicians use screenings not just as a diagnostic tool for those with symptoms, but as part of routine preventive care to detect asymptomatic, elevated blood pressure to prevent cardiovascular events. They also educate patients on prevention.
“If you have any concerns or have even mild symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your primary care physician because if it’s related to blood pressure and does go untreated, it could lead to long-term health issues,” says Dr. Samson. “It’s better to get checked out and, if needed, get treated sooner rather than later.”
How to read blood pressure numbers
Blood pressure is shown as two numbers: systolic, the pressure when the heart beats, over diastolic, the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Normal vs. high blood pressure
- Normal: Less than 120/80
- Elevated: 120-129 / Less than 80
- High blood pressure (stage 1): 130-139 / 80-89
- High blood pressure (stage 2): Higher than 140/90
- Hypertensive crisis: Higher than 180/120
Risk factors for women
- Smoking or vaping
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of hypertension
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
Symptoms of high blood pressure
- Headaches
- Tightness around the chest
- Anxiety
- Hot flashes
- Blurry vision
- Swelling in the extremities
- Heart palpitations
- Ringing in the ears
When women should get screened
- Women 40 and older or at increased risk: annually
- Women 18-39 with normal blood pressure and no risk factors: every 3 to 5 years
How to prevent high blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Limit sodium to 1,500 mg per day
- Increase potassium intake to 3,500-5,000 mg per day
- Reduce or quit drinking alcohol
- Quit smoking and/or vaping
- Get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
- Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.