Why Blood Pressure Matters
Menopause is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. For healthy aging, you need to keep your numbers within healthy limits.
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“Silent killer” may sound scary, but that’s high blood pressure for you. It has earned that moniker because there are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure - even if your numbers rises to dangerously high levels.
While it’s true that some people with high blood pressure might feel headaches, shortness of breath or even get nosebleeds, the majority of those with the problem don’t have any symptoms until their numbers have reached a severe or life-threatening threshold. High blood pressure usually goes unnoticed for a long time…until the health problems become apparent.
What is blood pressure, anyway?
Simply put, it’s the force of blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood.
Let’s get to those numbers…
The top number (Systolic pressure; the higher and top number): That’s the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats.
The bottom number (Diastolic pressure; the lower and bottom number): That’s a measurement of the force of the blood in your arteries while your heart is relaxing between beats.
Why blood pressure matters: When blood pressure is high, your risk for heart disease, heart failure and stroke, among other things, is increased. (In 2021, the CDC reported more than 600,000 deaths in the U.S. with high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause.)
And what of menopause and high blood pressure?
Weight gain…stress…declines in estrogen: You see these during menopause, and they can all put us at an increased risk of high blood pressure.
Studies bear this out: High blood pressure is more common among postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women.
My blood pressure was always at a healthy level. But then… menopause. It was about then that the numbers began to rise, despite my attempts to keep my blood pressure at a manageable level by eating a healthy diet, exercising, limiting alcohol and salt consumption and trying to manage my stress.
Sigh. Sometimes, despite all good intentions, blood pressure rises anyway. Like (nobody knows who) said, “You can’t always fight mother nature.” Seems you can’t always fight other factors as well, like:
Age
Family history and genetics
Lack of good-quality sleep or sleep apnea
Some medications (antidepressants, decongestants, aspirin or ibuprofen)
Thyroid problems
Chronic kidney disease
Race or ethnicity (high blood pressure is more common in Black adults than in White, Hispanic, or Asian adults).
The numbers, please…
Speaking of numbers, why do I continue to buy lottery tickets?? My numbers never, ever, ever come in…not even close. But a girl can (continue to) dream…right?
Okay, for other numbers that might be more achievable, here you are:
Here are four general categories, compliments of The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, who point out that ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal:
Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension. The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
For a Pause…
If you have high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to monitor it at home. These devices will help you. They’re easy to use and accurate (I recently brought mine into my doctor’s office to check it against hers, and it was spot on.)
If you’re more of a chart person, here’s one to tell you what the numbers mean, and what to strive for.
Click here for more in-depth info about how to treat high blood pressure. There are lifestyle changes, which are always good beyond treating high blood pressure. But if you need more help, there are plenty of helpful medications out there, too.
Meditation has been shown to be a simple and effective way to bring your blood pressure down. If you need to sharpen your meditation skills, these books will help.
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And finally…
Did someone actually write a song about high blood pressure?? Seems so.
You are so skilled at taking technical information and translating it into practical tips!