In this fast-paced world, people keep juggling work demands, personal life, and everything. Life seems to be moving at lightning speed, and amidst all the chaos, you hardly have a moment to catch your breath. But have you ever paused to consider how your body keeps up with this relentless pace? Specifically, have you ever thought about your blood pressure? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a global health concern affecting millions. We often associate high blood pressure with older individuals. But high blood pressure in young women has become a growing concern.
In this blog, let’s explore some signs and causes of high blood pressure in young women.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It is the force blood exerts toward the arteries’ walls as the heart pumps it.
You can check if you have high blood pressure when your blood pressure rises above 120/80 mmHg. It is considered hypertension, posing potential health risks.
When our blood pressure rises beyond healthy levels, it strains the cardiovascular system.
High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, thickening and stiffening the heart’s walls. It puts us at a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. It can also damage our blood vessels, making them less elastic and more prone to clogging.
Moreover, high blood pressure affects our mental well-being and quality of life. The good news is that we can take proactive steps to prevent or manage it well.
So, let’s start by understanding the causes and signs of high blood pressure.
Signs of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure symptoms can be deceptive, often presenting no noticeable signs. Some common symptoms include persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and weakness.
But, some subtle signs, such as frequent nosebleeds, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, chest pain or tightness, may go unnoticed. Hypertension may also lead to kidney problems, vision loss, and cognitive decline.
Take a moment to reflect on your well-being and be mindful of these potential warning signs.
Even though these signs and symptoms are not specifically related to high blood pressure. They may be the cause of other medical conditions as well. But, if you suspect you have high blood pressure, you should immediately consult a healthcare provider.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in developing high blood pressure in young women. Variations in estrogen and progesterone levels can impact blood vessel functioning.
These hormonal fluctuations are common during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptive pills, can also affect blood pressure levels. Because they contain progesterone which disrupts the body’s chemical equilibrium leading to hypertension.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting for long periods and less physical activity has increased obesity worldwide. With such a lifestyle, both young women and men have a higher risk of suffering from high blood pressure. The excessive accumulation of body fat places extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
The heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Therefore, it leads to increased resistance in the blood vessels and higher blood pressure levels.
Stress and Mental Health
Psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, and depression, greatly affect blood pressure regulation. Young women often face academic pressures, career challenges, and social expectations, leading to stress. This directly contributes to elevated blood pressure levels. Chronic stress can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to long-term hypertension.
Unhealthy Dietary Habits
High-calorie, processed foods rich in sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium can disrupt the body’s fluid balance. This imbalanced body fluid may even lead to high blood pressure. Magnesium and potassium balance blood pressure levels. And lack of these nutrients in the body exposes young people to the risk of hypertension.
Family History and Genetic Factors
Genetic factors can also influence the mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation. Understanding one’s family medical history can help identify if an individual is genetically predisposed to hypertension and allow for early interventions.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder, quite common among young women these days. PCOS increases the risk of high blood pressure in females due to high hormonal imbalances. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and obesity. These factors can collectively contribute to hypertension in young females.
Reducing the Risk of High Blood Pressure
The first step is adopting a healthy lifestyle and making specific changes to promote cardiovascular health. Here are some recommendations that can help you:
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain a normal weight, get enough sleep, and aim to follow a balanced diet. A balanced diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Adopting a balanced diet and getting enough potassium and magnesium helps control blood pressure.
Seek guidance from healthcare for personalized advice on adopting a heart-healthy diet.Avoid foods containing cholesterol, saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars for balanced blood pressure. Opt for fresh, home-cooked meals with small amounts of salt. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a special diet for hypertension.
Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise, stress management techniques, low alcohol consumption and quitting smoking are essential. They damage blood vessels and increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Brisk walks, swimming, jogging, cycling, or dancing are beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health. Also, practice stress-management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy. Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance.
Monitor Blood Pressure
Regularly check your blood pressure to monitor changes and identify potential problems early. If you notice consistently high readings, consult a healthcare professional.
By prioritizing your cardiovascular health, you can take control of your well-being. There is always time to start caring for your health, and knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against hypertension.