Monday, 6 February 2012

Hypertension - High Blood Pressure


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The increase in the risk of heart disease for women after menopause is thought to occur because of declining estrogen levels. For years it was believed that estrogen replacement therapy (hormone replacement therapy, or HRT) offered a protective effect against heart disease for women when taken regularly. However, information obtained from the Women's Health Initiative in April 2000 found that estrogen increases the risk of heart disease.
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 of High Blood Pressure?

Although some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, most times no symptoms are present. You may be completely unaware that you 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 and clinics will perform blood pressure screening free upon request.

What Do My Blood Pressure 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. Blood pressure is considered high when the systolic pressure is 140 or above and/or when diastolic pressure is 90 or above. 

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