According to a Women' s Health Initiative fact sheet:
"No study has ever proven that HRT will reduce heart attacks. Several studies have been conducted on the effect of HRT and heart disease which have suggested that HRT decreases heart disease risk of heart disease risk factors such as LDL levels. However, these studies were mostly observational studies where women themselves, or their physicians, chose HRT and were followed over time. Such studies are not reliable. They were not controlled enough to offer definitive answers."
Like oral contraceptive users, women who smoke and use estrogen may additionally increase their risk of cardiovascular disease.
What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Although some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, most times no symptoms are present. You may be completely unaware that you have high blood pressure until something happens that requires medical attention. Women who experience a lack of sexual desire should have a blood pressure check, since some believe that high blood pressure can cause low libido in some women.Regular blood pressure checks should be a part of everyone's routine health screening. Self-serve blood pressure monitoring equipment is available at many pharmacies, and most hospitals and clinics will perform blood pressure screening free upon request.
What Do My Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
Blood pressure measures two numbers. The top number is the systolic pressure -- the pressure of blood in the vessels as the heart beats. The lower number is the diastolic pressure -- the pressure of the blood between heartbeats. Blood pressure is considered high when the systolic pressure is 140 or above and/or when diastolic pressure is 90 or above.
What Are the Treatments for High Blood Pressure?
The good news about high blood pressure is that it is easily controllable. If your blood pressure is high, your physician will determine whether medication to lower your blood pressure is required. He may choose for you to make changes to your lifestyle before or during treatment with medication.
Lifestyle changes alone often effectively reduce blood pressure and may include:
- Losing weight, if necessary
- Following a heart-healthy diet
- Engaging in regular physical activity -- 30 minutes of walking or other aerobic activity a day
- Restricting the amount of sodium in your diet -- no more than 4 to 6 grams per day
- Limiting alcoholic beverages
- Quitting smoking
Several types of medications are available to treat high blood pressure. Medical treatment is often used in conjunction with lifestyle therapies. Some of the most commonly used medications to treat high blood pressure include:
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- ACE (angiotensin-coverting enzyme) inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Alpha-beta blockers
These drugs may be used alone or in combination, depending on what your physician determines is best for your situation. If your physician orders medication, it is important that you take the medication exactly as prescribed and don't stop without his order. Suddenly stopping blood pressure medication can cause your blood pressure to rise rapidly.
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is vital that your follow your physician's recommendations to the letter. Following your doctor's orders will help lower your blood pressure and your risk of cardiovascular disease. Discuss any questions you have with your physician -- it's imperative that you understand your treatment plan and its potential benefit to your life and health.
Source:
High Blood Pressure. Healthywomen.org.http://www.healthywomen.org/healthtopics/highbloodpressure. Accessed 08/26/09.
