What causes high blood pressure in women

Elevated blood pressure in women may be caused by genetic factors, hormonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle habits, obesity, and psychological stress. Targeted interventions should be taken based on specific causes.

1. Genetic factors:

Primary hypertension has obvious familial clustering. If there is a history of hypertension in immediate family members, the risk of developing the disease in women can increase by 2-4 times. These patients often have mutations in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, leading to abnormal sodium ion metabolism. It is recommended to regularly monitor dynamic blood pressure after the age of 30 and strictly control salt intake in daily life.

2. Hormonal changes:

A decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can reduce vascular elasticity, and about 45% of women experience blood pressure fluctuations during menopause. Vasoactive substances secreted by the placenta during pregnancy may also cause gestational hypertension, typically manifested as blood pressure ≥ 140/90mmHg and accompanied by proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

3. Bad habits:

Daily sodium intake exceeding 5 grams can increase systolic blood pressure by 5-8 mmHg. Long term staying up late can activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate. Smokers have three times the risk of endothelial damage compared to non-smokers. Daily alcohol intake exceeding 25 grams can interfere with the metabolism of antihypertensive drugs. 4. Overweight: For every 3kg/m ² increase in BMI, the average systolic blood pressure increases by 4.5mmHg. Accumulation of visceral fat can secrete inflammatory factors that damage blood vessels, and women with waist circumference ≥ 85cm should be alert to metabolic syndrome. Losing 5% weight can lower blood pressure by 5-10mmHg.

3. Psychological stress:

Under chronic stress, continuous secretion of cortisol promotes smooth muscle contraction in blood vessels. For women in the workplace who experience long-term mental stress, dynamic blood pressure monitoring shows that the incidence of insufficient nighttime blood pressure drop is as high as 38%. Mindfulness training can reduce the intensity of stress responses.

It is recommended to adopt the DASH dietary pattern, consuming 500 grams of vegetables and 300 milliliters of low-fat dairy products daily, and limiting processed foods. Perform 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming per week, with a heart rate controlled within the range of 220 age x 60% -70% during exercise. Sleep for 7-8 hours and avoid using electronic devices 2 hours before bedtime. Menopausal women can have their sex hormone levels detected and, if necessary, undergo hormone replacement therapy under the guidance of a doctor. For home self testing of blood pressure, a certified upper arm electronic blood pressure monitor should be selected. Before measurement, sit quietly for 5 minutes, repeat the measurement 3 times with a 1-minute interval, and take the average value.