- 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?
Although some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, most often high blood pressure presents no symptoms and the patient is completely unaware that they 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, clinics, and fire stations will perform blood pressure screening free upon request.
What do the 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. Both of these numbers count -- blood pressure is high when the systolic pressure is 140 or above and/or when diastolic pressure is 90 or above.What are the treatments?
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:
- Overweight patients should lose weight.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet such as the DASH Diet.
- Engage in regular physical activity--30 minutes a day of walking or other aerobic activity.
- Restrict the amount of sodium in your diet--no more than 4-6 grams per day.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- If you smoke, quit!
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, according to 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 implicitly. 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.
