Why women should monitor blood pressure differently

High Blood Pressure

A new study examined blood pressure measurements of just over 27,000 participants.

Key Findings

• Women may have a lower normal healthy range of blood pressure than men

• While less than 120 millimeters per mercury may be within the normal range for men, the target systolic blood pressure for women should be less than 110 millimeters per mercury

• The time honoured assumption that men and women share the same number for normal blood pressure is challenged

• The study suggests that men and women are a lot more different than realised. It is more accurate to base results on sex-based differences

• Blood pressure numbers should be personalised base on a patient’s sex

• Women should monitor their blood pressure at home where surroundings are more relaxed

• Keep a record and show to your doctor when you next have a consult

Adopt 4 pillars of health to control high blood pressure

• Nutrition

• Exercise

• Stress Management

• Adequate good quality sleep

Nutrition

Consume all foods in moderation

Tips to lower salt intake

Include foods with sodium content to flavour your meals

Include foods with potassium to regulate your blood pressure

If you need to add salt to a dish or soup add it as the final ingredient for the salty taste. This reduces the amount used substantially

Select a variety of fruit and vegetables

Unsalted nuts and mixed seeds as snacks instead of high salt potato crisps, prawn crackers

2. Exercise - Work out a keep fit regular physical activity . Contributes to weight management

Try to clock 150 mins per week

3. Stress Management – Learn to relax and let go of negative thoughts

4. Adequate sleep – Eases blood pressure

Take high blood pressure seriously because it is a silent killer

Louisaz says the 4 pillars of health has produced my healthy blood pressure numbers!

Reference : Sex Differences in Blood Pressure Associations With Cardiovascular Outcomes

Originally published 15 Feb 2021

https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.049360 ,Circulation. 2021;143:761–763