Blood pressure is an essential measure of health. It is the pressure of blood against the walls of arteries that keeps our blood circulating to every part of the body. There are two types of blood pressure – systolic and diastolic.

Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in arteries when the heartbeats, and diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in arteries when the heart rests between beats. High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition in which the force of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently elevated above normal.

What is a normal blood pressure?

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines normal blood pressure as a reading of less than 120/80 mmHg.

However, recently, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association updated their guidelines, stating that a blood pressure reading of less than 130/80 mmHg is considered normal. Higher blood pressure above this range may indicate the presence of hypertension.

What causes hypertension?

The exact cause of high blood pressure is often unknown. However, hereditary, lifestyle factors, and certain medical conditions can elevate a person’s blood pressure. Factors that can cause hypertension include:.

Smoking
Obesity
Sleep apnea
High salt intake
Stress
Physical inactivity
Chronic kidney disease
Thyroid problems
Adrenal gland tumors
Or certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, and some prescription drugs.

Why is hypertension more common in women?

Hypertension is more common in women than in men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25% of women and 24% of men in the United States have hypertension.

However, hypertension in women is more likely to go undetected, so it’s important that women get regular blood pressure checkups.

The reason why hypertension is more common in women is still not fully understood. However, some studies suggest that sex hormones may play a role.

Estrogen, a female sex hormone, helps protect against hypertension by helping blood vessels relax, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. As women age, their estrogen levels decline, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

Why is hypertension more prevalent in respectable women?

Surprisingly, hypertension is more common in well-educated, professional women than in their less-educated peers.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, women with higher levels of education and income were more likely to develop hypertension than those with lower levels of education and income.

One possible reason for this disparity is that high-pressure jobs, which are more common among professional women, can lead to chronic stress.

Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which increases heart rate and constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress can lead to sustained high blood pressure.

In addition, highly educated and professional women may have a greater likelihood of having sedentary lifestyles, which can lead to obesity and hypertension.

How to lower blood pressure?

Fortunately, there are several steps that people can take to lower their blood pressure:.

Eat a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
Reduce salt intake.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Get regular physical activity and exercise.
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Quit smoking cigarettes.
Take medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypertension is a common condition that can affect anyone, including well-educated, professional women.

While the exact cause is often unknown, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help reduce blood pressure and prevent complications associated with hypertension.