Menopause and High Blood Pressure: What is the Connection?

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After menopause, blood pressure tends to increase. The risk of dangerously high blood pressure, or hypertension, increases as well. On average, in post-menopausal women, systolic pressure increases by approximately 5 mm Hg.

Why Does Menopause Cause High Blood Pressure?

It all comes back to hormones.

• Because a woman produces less estrogen and other hormones, the body's system begins to change.
• This can result in weight gain and increased salt sensitivity.
• Hormone replacement therapy increases your risk for high blood pressure by 25%.

Other Risk Factors

Besides being over the age of 55, there are other factors that can put you at risk for high blood pressure:

• Family history: if you have a family history of hypertension, you are considered to be more at risk.
• Ethnicity: People of African ancestry have a higher risk of hypertension
• Taking certain medications or drugs can increase your blood pressure. For example: certain antidepressants, birth control pills, over the counter pain or cold medications, nasal decongestants, steroids, and cocaine.
• Certain medical conditions: kidney disease, narrowing of the renal arteries or aorta, sleep apnea, and adrenal gland diseases such as Cushing's can all cause increased blood pressure.
• Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, being overweight, not exercising, and eating a poor diet all contribute to high blood pressure.

If you have several risk factors for high blood pressure you should see your health practitioner to have your blood pressure checked.

What You Can Do

If you have high blood pressure, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.

• Reevaluate medications. Talk to your health practitioner about your medications and any over the counter products you may be taking to see if they could be contributing to your high blood pressure. You may be able to switch to a safer medication.
• Have your health practitioner check for any underlying conditions that may be causing your high blood pressure. Treating these conditions successfully may resolve your problem completely.
• Don't smoke
• Don't drink
• Exercise. Generally, 30 minutes per day, 3 days per week is recommended. Talk to your health practitioner to design a weight loss program that is safe and effective for you.
• Eat a healthy diet. A low-sodium diet is an important part of managing high blood pressure. Avoid high sodium foods, do not add extra salt to your meals, and be sure to always read food labels. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables and opt for whole grains and lean meats.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your health practitioner to find out if you are at a healthy weight, and ask him or her to help you lose weight if you are overweight.
• A healthy diet and exercise will improve your general health and alleviate your menopause symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances.

Sources http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3048393 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HI00026 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menopause-and-high-blood-pressure/AN01463