High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious sign of cardiovascular disease. It is most often associated with men and older women, however, young women may also be affected if they have risk factors. Over time, high blood pressure may damage blood vessels, the heart and kidneys and increase a woman's risk of stroke and heart attack.
Pregnancy Problems
High blood pressure during pregnancy may be due to preeclampsia. In an article published in the December 2004 issue of "American Family Physician," preeclampsia is defined as maternal blood pressure at or greater than 140/90 with protein in the urine beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia typically occurs in women with previously normal blood pressure. Symptoms may include headache, blurred vision and pain above the stomach or on the upper right side of the abdomen. Preeclampsia affects approximately 5 to 7 percent of pregnancies in the United States and is more common in women younger than 20 having their first baby. Regular prenatal care can prevent serious complications of preeclampsia, such as fetal loss and maternal seizures or death. In most cases blood pressure normalizes within hours after delivery but may remain elevated for up to one month postpartum.
Birth Control Pills
The New York Times reports oral contraceptives can raise blood pressure in women of reproductive age. The risks are greater among women who are 35 or older, smoke, are obese or have a family history of hypertension. Blood pressure usually returns to normal once the pill is stopped. Other hormonal contraceptives may have similar side effects; a healthcare professional can provide information about specific products.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Characterized by irregular menstrual periods in adolescence, polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, causes the ovaries to fail at producing mature egg follicles. The result is infertility or frequent early miscarriages. Women with PCOS may report significant weight gain in mid teen years and early 20s. PCOS is associated with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and increased risk of stroke or heart attack for women in their forties. An article published in the August 2003 "American Family Physician," reports that 65 percent of women with PCOS are obese and that weight loss reduces cardiovascular risks and improves menstrual patterns. The disorder may affect mothers, daughters and sisters in the same family.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Primary pulmonary hypertension, or PPH, is high blood pressure caused by narrowing of the pulmonary artery or increased resistance of small blood vessels in the lungs.The condition affects mostly women between the ages of 20 and 40, according to the American Heart Association. Only 500 to 1,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and swelling in the ankles or lower legs. People with impaired circulation, such as from Reynaud's syndrome, are at greater risk. HIV infection and the abuse of stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine may be triggers for PPH.
References
- "American Family Physician," Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia, Wagner L., Dec. 15, 2004, 70(12)
- The New York Times: High Blood Pressure In-Depth Report
- "American Family Physician," Current Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Richardson M., Aug. 15, 2003, 68(4)
- American Heart Association: Primary or Unexplained Pulmonary Hypertension
