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.

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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