Approximately seventy-two million Americans have some form of high blood pressure — and nearly half of them are women. Women may be particularly at risk for developing high blood pressure. Risk factors include:
- Taking 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 like obesity, a family history of high blood pressure, or a smoking habit. Ask your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure before you start taking birth control pills, and get your blood pressure checked at least every six months while you’re on the Pill.
- Pregnancy. High blood pressure can develop quickly during the last three months of pregnancy. Untreated, hypertension during pregnancy can be dangerous to both mom and baby. Fortunately, it often goes away after the baby is born.
- Menopause. As we age, a woman’s chance of developing high blood pressure goes up. After menopause, a woman’s chance of developing high blood pressure increases significantly. Unfortunately, this is a risk factor you can’t change.
- Weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for women and men. Losing weight and being more physically active is a great way to keep your heart (and the rest of your body) in the best health possible.
- Race. African American women (and men) are more susceptible to high blood pressure than other races. The disease can be more serious, too.
- Family history. If your parents and/or other close blood relatives have had high blood pressure, you better watch your own. And if you have high blood pressure, your children might develop it too.
There is no cure for high blood pressure. It is controllable with medications and lifestyle modifications like losing weight, cutting back on salt, and quitting smoking. But the alternative — a higher risk of serious heart attack, stroke, and other major problems — is much worse.