High Blood Pressure in Women: The Hidden Risks You Should Know!

 

High blood pressure - often called hypertension - is a well-known health risk, but many people don’t realise that it can pose unique challenges and dangers for women. We often think of heart disease or stroke affecting men, yet high blood pressure is very common in women and can be just as deadly. It truly is a “silent killer” because it often has no noticeable symptoms, yet over time it can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organs. For women, there are some hidden risks and situations where high blood pressure can become especially important to recognise and manage.

It’s Often Silent - So Don’t Assume You’d Know

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all. That’s why regular check-ups and knowing your numbers are critical. Pharmacies, clinics, and home monitors make it easy to track your pressure between visits.

Birth Control and Hormones Can Raise Blood Pressure

Oral contraceptives and some hormone therapies can increase blood pressure in susceptible women. The rise is usually small but can be significant if you have other risks (family history, smoking, excess weight). If you start or change hormonal therapy, check your blood pressure within a few months, and discuss alternatives if it rises.

Pregnancy and Preeclampsia 

High blood pressure can occur during pregnancy (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia). A history of preeclampsia is a powerful red flag: it raises a woman’s later-life risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Treat pregnancy blood-pressure issues as a window into future cardiovascular health and prioritise lifelong screening and prevention.

Menopause and Blood Pressure Spike

After menopause, declining oestrogen, arterial stiffening, weight changes, and increased salt sensitivity push many women’s blood pressure higher. By their 60s, a greater proportion of women have hypertension than men. Staying active, eating a heart-healthy, lower-salt diet, avoiding smoking, and managing weight become even more important.

Greater Stroke Risk in Women

Rising blood pressure drives stroke risk for everyone, but some data suggest women’s risk may climb faster for each increment in pressure. Hypertension also contributes to cognitive decline, vascular dementia, vision problems, and bone health issues over time - more reasons to treat it promptly.

Underdiagnosed and Undertreated

Fewer than one in four women with hypertension have it controlled. White-coat or masked hypertension can hide the problem, and some women experience more side-effects from certain drugs. Home monitoring, open dialogue about side-effects, and tailored medication plans can make control achievable.

Taking Charge:

• Know your family history.
• Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity and a balanced, lower-salt diet.
• Keep alcohol modest and don’t smoke.
• Manage stress with sleep, mindfulness, and support.
• Check blood pressure regularly across life stages (on the Pill, during pregnancy, and after menopause).

Sources:

• CDC - Women and Heart Disease Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html
• Go Red for Women - High Blood Pressure and Women: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure-and-heart-disease
• American Heart Association News - Rising blood pressure and stroke risk in women: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/08/13/rising-blood-pressure-puts-women-at-greater-stroke-risk-than-men
• Cleveland Clinic - Heart Disease in Women: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Prevention: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17645-women--cardiovascular-disease
• Preeclampsia Foundation - Heart Disease & Stroke: https://www.preeclampsia.org/heart-disease-stroke