![High blood pressure: the riskiest times for women](https://img.passeportsante.net/1000x526/2017-05-15/i50484-hypertension-les-periodes-les-plus-risquees-pour-les-femmes.jpg)
May 15, 2017.
On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, Sunday May 14, the French Federation of Cardiology reminded that during their pregnancy and menopause, women were more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.
Risks of stroke
Women and men are not equal when it comes to the risk of developing high blood pressure. According to the French Federation of Cardiology, there are periods of greater risk than others for women. Nearly 10 million French people have hypertension. Among this population, there are many seniors. But a woman can get hypertension very early on.
Women who have chosen a contraceptive containing synthetic estrogen (pill, implant, patch, ring), for example, increase their risk. Hormonal variations indeed play a role in the hypertension process. But let women be reassured, this phenomenon only affects 1 to 2% of women. High blood pressure can be the cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is therefore not trivial.
Pregnancy and menopause should be monitored
Hypertension can also occur during pregnancy. During this period of hormonal upheaval, 10 to 15% of women may experience problems with hypertension. It is for this reason that their blood pressure is closely monitored by their doctor. This is all the more important as high blood pressure can be dangerous for the fetus and cause significant complications.
At last, the most dangerous time for women is menopause. During this time, estrogen gradually decreases, causing the walls of the arteries to thicken and become more rigid. After 65 years, one in two women suffers from hypertension. To avoid heart disease, women will be recommended to exercise regularly and avoid foods that are too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as well as tobacco.
Marine Rondot
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