If you have high blood pressure, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that high blood pressure isn’t as common as it used to be and treatments are readily available and effective. The bad news? It’s more likely to affect women than men, so if you’re female and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, pay attention to the symptoms in order to manage it effectively. Read on to learn more about high blood pressure in women, what signs you should look out for, and how best to prevent and treat it.
Natural Ways To Lower Your BP
- Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. This type of diet has been shown to help lower blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly. Even moderate exercise can help lower your blood pressure by up to four points.
- Reduce stress. Stress can cause your blood pressure to rise, so it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Eat A Low Sodium Diet
A diet high in sodium can increase your blood pressure. Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can be found in processed foods, restaurant meals, and even some healthy foods like breads and cereals. To help lower your blood pressure, aim to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. You can also try these tips for eating a low sodium diet
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. It helps lower blood pressure by making your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood. It also helps reduce stress, which can raise blood pressure. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it.
Lose Weight
Losing weight is one of the most important things you can do to lower your blood pressure. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference. The best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and exercise more. But don’t crash diet or try to lose weight too quickly. A slow, steady weight loss is best. Talk with your doctor before starting any weight-loss program. It’s also important to check in with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. Talk with your doctor about how much weight you should be aiming for, as well as how much physical activity would be appropriate for you.
If You Drink Alcohol, Limit It
If you already have high blood pressure, alcohol can make it worse. And even if you don’t have high blood pressure, drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. So it’s important to limit how much you drink. For women, that means no more than one drink a day. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.
Avoid Medications with Side Effects That Can Cause Hypertension
If you are a woman with high blood pressure, there are certain medications you should avoid. Some common medications that can cause hypertension include birth control pills, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some cold medicines. If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor about alternative options.
Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
If you think you may have high blood pressure, schedule a doctor’s appointment. During your appointment, your doctor will take your blood pressure, which involves wrapping an inflatable cuff around your arm and measuring your systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) readings. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and whether you have any risk factors for high blood pressure, such as diabetes or a family history of the condition.