Women tend to worry about hypertension and high blood pressure for the men in their lives. They neglect to consider the causes of hypertension and high blood pressure that can affect them. Yet heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women. There are several risk factors for hypertension and high blood pressure that women should be aware of.

The Connection With Cholesterol

There is a major connection between cholesterol and hypertension, or high blood pressure. Cholesterol does help your body, but too much dietary cholesterol can lead to many different forms of heart disease. It adheres to your arteries and bonds with the calcium in your blood stream, causing your arteries to harden.

This hardening increases hypertension, or high blood pressure, as the elasticity of the veins and arteries is lost. Many women who have high cholesterol have no clue that it puts them at risk for blood pressure problems as well. Cholesterol reducing medications and lifestyle changes often has a positive impact on the attempt to lower high blood pressure.

Women Often Ignore Their Heart

Women often ignore the problem of hypertension and high blood pressure. They consider heart problems to be a man’s disease, and ignore the state of their own heart. High blood pressure makes the heart over work itself, causing it to become strained, which can lead to hear attack. Clogged arteries can lead to a stroke. These are very serious medical conditions, so women need to be aware of the dangers of hypertension. Having no clue about heart health is a major risk factor for women.

Diet and Weight

Diet and weight are the third risk factor for hypertension and high blood pressure in women. Many women are overweight, and being overweight can cause a rise in blood pressure. Today’s American diet is not healthy, so unless a woman is actively controlling her diet, she is at risk for high blood pressure. Sodium is prevalent in many of our convenience foods, and sodium increases blood pressure. Being aware of your body weight and diet helps you to have a healthy heart.

Lack of Physical Activity

The final risk factor that indicates a woman is at risk for hypertension and high blood pressure is a lack of physical activity. Today’s woman is a career woman, mom, and wife, all at the same time.

Will all of the roles women play today it is hard to find time to exercise. But exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk for hypertension. Try to incorporate at least thirty minutes of exercise five times a week for ultimate heart health.