Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure has been shown repeatedly to become more of a risk as women close in on their 40’s; but while there is little argument a link exists, the court is still out on the reasons behind it. One of the more popular theories is that as we age, our blood vessels gradually narrow due to both plaque build up and a general stiffening of the arteries; slowly increasing the pressure of blood as it travels through the body. As women reach their 40’s, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone drop off and there is evidence suggesting this leads to a further stiffening of blood vessel walls. Another popular theory is that as women age, there is a tendency to gain weight, putting extra stress on the heart which leads to an increase in blood pressure. Hormone therapy is also believed to be linked to hypertension.

No matter the cause, hypertension is a real and dangerous condition. With around 75 million diagnosed cases in America alone, hypertension puts dangerous amounts of pressure on delicate blood vessels which can lead to a potentially fatal cardiac arrest or stroke. In some cases, the diagnosis of hypertension can be an early warning sign of heart disease. Preventing hypertension involves eating a healthy diet as well as regular exercise and in some cases, stress management and release.